Heart arrhythmia

Our doctors specialize in using the latest technologies, electrophysiology studies and implantable defibrillators to take care of your needs. Additionally, we use minimally invasive surgical techniques on an outpatient basis for most of our heart procedures.

We perform many different procedures to correct abnormal heart rhythms and improve your quality of life.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)

CRT devices are either pacemakers or defibrillators that have an extra lead attached to pace both ventricles of the heart. They can be programmed to help the ventricles synchronize, improving cardiac function. This type of therapy can reduce the risk of mortality and improve the quality of life for those with congestive heart failure. It also helps those whose heart doesn’t contract enough to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout their body.

Catheter ablations

Our specialists may recommend a catheter ablation when medication fails to control a heart's abnormal rhythm. Catheter ablation uses a series of thin, flexible wires (catheters) inserted through an artery or vein and guided to the heart. Once our electrophysiologist has made sure you're in the abnormal rhythm, they create a 3D map showing the abnormal rhythm's type and location.

Using the map as a guide, our doctors place the catheter in the correct area and destroy the problem cells with a tiny and focused radiofrequency wave. They will then try to induce the abnormal rhythm to ensure that the problem cells are no longer causing the arrhythmia.

Cryoablation

Cryoablation — also called cryoballoon catheter ablation — is similar to regular ablation, except we use extreme cold to freeze heart cells. In this procedure, our doctors insert a catheter through a blood vessel and guide it to the heart. They then inflate a tiny balloon at the end of the catheter with a special gas coolant to freeze the atrial tissue triggering the arrhythmia. Through cryoablation, individuals experience shorter procedure times and less radiation exposure.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)

An ICD device, which is slightly larger than a pacemaker, monitors the heart for abnormal heartbeats that may be considered dangerous.

Implanted in those at risk for sudden cardiac death, the ICD can directly deliver an internal shock into the heart muscle when it senses the heart is in an abnormal rhythm. This rhythm is called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. The electrical shock will help convert the heart rhythm back to normal. The ICD can also function as a pacemaker if necessary.

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)

An ICE catheter is a small ultrasound device placed within the heart. ICE provides clear information about the structure of the heart, as well as the position of the catheter.

With the high-resolution pictures our doctors receive with ICE, they can move between atrial chambers safely and efficiently. By minimizing the potential for complications, they can focus on ridding the heart of the problem cells.

Pacemakers

A pacemaker regulates the beating of the heart by delivering an electrical impulse through electrodes connected to the heart muscle. This device will keep the heart beating at a regular pace when it senses your heart is too slow, or it will take over from the heart's natural pacemaker when the heartbeat is abnormal. If pacemaker surgery is needed, you can expect a quick recovery and possible return to your previous activity level.