When setting up an EP lab, plans for space should include areas for patient preparation and recovery, as well as the space required for EP laboratory procedure. Key considerations when designing space include:
Outpatient admission area/patient preparation
Patients should be prepared for the procedure in a room where blood work, ECGs, a history and physical examination, and patient teaching can be performed. With plans for setting up this outpatient area, a 24-hour unit should be considered, as many procedures (including simple catheter ablation procedures) may subsequently be classified as “o/p” 24-hour observation procedures by many payers.
- RNs needed (to dispense medication, draw blood, perform assessment)
- Blood draws for additional “PATs”
- IV access
- Pre-EP assessment
- Additional patient teaching
EP laboratory and procedure room
- Space for the lab itself
- Control room (room for observation/teaching)
- X-ray equipment and stereotaxis (additional space needs)
- Monitoring equipment
- Diagnostic equipment
- Tilt table area and procedure room for cardioversions, ICD checks, IV drug administration (e.g., epinephrine challenge, ibutilide)
Recovery area/holding area
This area can be utilized for patient preparation (e.g., connecting electrodes, defibrillation patches, shaving) prior to transport to the lab, meeting the EP laboratory personnel and immediate post-procedure care (e.g., pulling sheaths, further BP and O2 monitoring following IV conscious sedation).
- RNs needed
- Telemetry
- ECG machine
- Crash cart
- Equipment for sheath pulling
Area for dictation or space to review cases post-procedure (fellows/attendings)
Conference room for staff education and regularly scheduled meetings
Miscellaneous space needs
Depending on the situation, additional requirements may include:
- Reception
- Waiting area
- Space for patients to change clothes
- Staff room
