Each year we treat, on average, 1,200 patients and perform more than 1,300
electrophysiology procedures. For information and physician listings
visit www.mvheart.org
Our electrophysiology procedures include:
EP Studies
catheter-based procedures determine the
location of abnormal electrical rhythms or pathways within the heart. Treatment
might include medication, ablation, a pacemaker, or an implantable
defibrillator.
Tilt Table Testing
The test
is used to diagnose patients who have suffered fainting spells or syncope,
and can often determine the reason patients "pass out." Like
many other tests, this can be done on an outpatient basis, requiring only
a short hospital visit.
Cardioversion
The procedure
uses an electrical current, delivered externally to the heart, in an
attempt to convert abnormal heart rhythms to regular, normal rhythms. This
is a minimally invasive procedure, requiring only a short outpatient
visit.
Ablation
The technique
involves advancing a catheter (small tube) into the heart through an
artery or vein to treat abnormal heart rhythms. These might include
ventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, or other
dangerous, rapid heart rhythms. Ablation is minimally invasive, can be
done with an overnight stay in the hospital, and often helps minimize the
use of previously prescribed medication.
Pacemaker Implants
This
surgical procedure may be required for patients who have a very slow heart
rate. After implantation, the pacemaker will be activated when the heart
rate is not fast enough. Insertions are performed in an operating room and
generally require an overnight stay in the hospital.
Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Implants
Patients with
dangerously fast heart rhythms often require internal defibrillators.
Defibrillators can prevent sudden death in patients suffering from malignant
cardiac rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. A
defibrillator may be implanted in patients who suffer from congestive heart
failure, coordinating the rhythm of the heart so that it beats more
efficiently, making the heart stronger. This is a very helpful supplement for
patients with weak hearts. These life-saving devices can be implanted in an operating
room with an overnight hospital stay.
