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Diagnostic Endocardial Electrical Stimulation (Pacing)
Diagnostic endocardial electrical stimulation involves the detection and stimulation of cardiac electrical activity for the purpose of studying arrhythmias and abnormalities of the heart's conduction system. Intracardiac electrode catheters, intracardiac and extracardiac recordings and a stimulator device are required. From two to six multipolar electrode catheters are inserted percutaneously, usually through the femoral veins, and advanced to the heart under fluoroscopic control. Other venous or arterial routes may be employed as well. An intracardiac His bundle cardiogram is usually obtained during EES as are conventional electrocardiograms. No separate charge will be recognized for the His Bundle cardiogram. (See §20.16.)
EES is used to investigate the mechanisms, site of origin and pathways of cardiac arrhythmias as well as to select therapeutic approaches for their resolution. EES is also employed to identify patients at risk of sudden arrhythmic death. The principal use for EES is in the diagnosis and treatment of sustained ventricular tachycardia. However, it has also proven to be of value in the diagnosis and management of other complex arrhythmias, conduction defects, and after cardiac arrest.
Diagnostic endocardial electrical stimulation (EES), also called programmed electrical stimulation of the heart, is covered under Medicare when used for patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias.