Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute
Electrophysiology/Arrhythmia Management
Electrophysiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on specialized methods of diagnosis and treatment of severe, troublesome cardiac arrhythmias (irregularities of heart rhythm). Most arrhythmias can be managed with medication, but patients whose arrhythmias are not controlled by medication, who cannot tolerate medication or whose arrhythmias may be more serious, may benefit from consultation with an electrophysiologist.
Sophisticated intracardiac mapping techniques are used in the electrophysiology laboratory to pinpoint the origin or the pathway of spread of an arrhythmia. Focused ablation techniques can then be used to treat or prevent those arrhythmias without the use of medication.
Device-based therapy is an important part of electrophysiology management. Pacemakers are used to treat abnormally slow heart rhythms, particularly if they cause lightheadedness or syncope (fainting). Specialized pacing of both the right and left side of the heart (biventricular pacing) can improve the pumping function of the heart (resynchronization therapy) and is a new therapy for patients with congestive heart failure. Automatic implantable cardiac defibrillators (AICDs) are used to deliver shocks to the heart internally to treat certain serious and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.These implants, which help prevent sudden cardiac death, are considered minor surgical procedures and require brief hospital stays.
The electrophysiologists at Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute work closely with each patient’s clinical cardiologist and/or primary care physician, and are skilled at choosing the most appropriate arrhythmia treatment for each individual patient. They are involved in many research projects and maintain a high standard of care in arrhythmia management.
If you would like a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.