The patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is characterized by a classic ECG pattern and a history of palpitations, syncope, pre-syncope, or tachyarrhythmias. An electrophysiology study is an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and with the advent of catheter ablative techniques, WPW syndrome is now considered a curable disease. The critical care nurse needs to be aware of the acute and chronic treatment of this syndrome, the complications of therapy, and the educational needs of the patient and family.