Heart Rhythm Management
- Evaluation and treatment of atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, WPW, ventricular tachycardia, and all other arrhythmias
- Assessment and management of syncope
- Management of antiarrhythmic medications
- Electrophysiology studies
- Ablations
- Use of Holter monitors, event monitors, and implantable loop recorders
- Pacemaker implantation and management
- Implantation and management of implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy and biventricular devices
- Remote and in-clinic device interrogations
- Intracardiac echocardiograms (ICE)
Ablations
This procedure involves guiding one or more flexible, thin tubes (catheters) through the blood vessels to the heart’s abnormal tissue using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and advanced 3D mapping systems. We then precisely apply thermal or non-thermal energy to target and destroy small areas of tissue that produce abnormal electrical signals responsible for rhythm disturbances. This process helps restore a normal heart rhythm and alleviate symptoms associated with arrhythmias. Ablation is often performed for conditions like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardias or ventricular tachycardia and can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Watchman Device Implantation
The Watchman device is a medical implant designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who cannot take long-term anticoagulants. It is a small, umbrella-shaped device that is inserted into the left atrial appendage of the heart via a catheter. By occluding this area, the Watchman device prevents blood clots from forming and potentially traveling to the brain. This device offers an alternative for stroke prevention, especially for patients who experience bleeding risks or other complications with traditional blood thinners.
Holter and Event Monitoring
The 24-hour Holter monitor is an electrocardiographic device with electrodes that the patient wears for an entire day, including during sleep and exercise. It records the heart's rhythm continuously over 24 hours for detailed analysis.
An event monitor is a similar device that the patient wears at home for a designated longer period. Unlike the Holter monitor, it records only when activated by the patient during symptoms like palpitations or rapid heartbeats. This recording can be transmitted remotely for analysis.
Pacemaker Implantation
Pacemakers are small devices implanted to regulate a patient’s heart rhythm, especially in cases of abnormally slow heartbeats. Traditionally, a pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone, with wires/ leads passing through the veins and into the heart. Pacemakers are monitored remotely with periodic cardiology check-ups. Our electrophysiologists can also perform a leadless pacemaker implantation.
A leadless pacemaker is a compact, modern device used to regulate the heart's rhythm without the need for external wires or leads. Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require leads to connect the device to the heart, a leadless pacemaker is implanted directly into the heart's right ventricle via a catheter. The goal of this innovative design is to minimize infection risk, reduce discomfort, and simplify the implantation procedure. Leadless pacemakers are particularly beneficial for patients with certain heart conditions or those who have complications from conventional pacemakers, designed to offer a more streamlined and less invasive solution for managing heart rhythm.
Our cardiac electrophysiologists can implant all types of pacemakers.
ICD Implantation
Implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are highly effective in stopping life-threatening arrhythmias and are crucial for treating ventricular fibrillation, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death. An ICD is placed under the skin near the heart, where it constantly monitors the heart's rhythm. If a dangerously fast, abnormal rhythm is detected, the ICD delivers a shock to restore normal rhythm.
On the other hand, a subcutaneous ICD (SICD) is a device designed to prevent sudden cardiac arrest by monitoring and treating life-threatening arrhythmias without the need for lead placement inside the heart. It is implanted just beneath the skin, typically along the left side of the chest, and uses a small electrode to detect abnormal heart rhythms. If a dangerous rhythm is detected, the SICD delivers a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. This device offers an alternative for patients who need protection from sudden cardiac arrest but have contraindications for traditional ICDs with transvenous leads.
Our cardiac electrophysiologists can implant all types of ICDs.
Cardiac Resynchronization Device (CRT)
A cardiac resynchronization device (CRT) is designed to improve the heart's efficiency in patients with heart failure and irregular heartbeats. It involves a specialized pacemaker or defibrillator that coordinates the contractions of the heart's ventricles by sending electrical impulses to both the left and right sides of the heart. This synchronization helps the heart pump more effectively, reducing symptoms of heart failure and improving overall heart function. CRT is particularly beneficial for patients whose heart failure is caused by a condition known as ventricular dyssynchrony, offering a potential improvement in quality of life and exercise capacity.
