programmed electrical stimulation
A technique using precisely timed electrical impulses to induce and study arrhythmias during electrophysiology procedures.
Full Definition
Programmed electrical stimulation (PES) is a systematic technique used during electrophysiology studies to assess cardiac conduction properties and induce clinical arrhythmias under controlled conditions. The protocol involves delivering trains of paced beats followed by premature stimuli at progressively shorter coupling intervals from multiple cardiac sites. PES can evaluate sinus node function, AV conduction, and the inducibility of both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. The technique is essential for diagnosing concealed accessory pathways, assessing risk of sudden death in certain patient populations, and evaluating the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic therapy.
Usage
Usage note: PES abbreviation acceptable after first use; specify stimulation sites and protocol when relevant.
In Context
- "Programmed electrical stimulation failed to induce ventricular tachycardia after antiarrhythmic therapy." — Drug efficacy testing
- "The programmed electrical stimulation protocol included triple extrastimuli from the right ventricular apex." — Methodology description