Heart arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat can cause you to experience a wide range of symptoms. It's important to keep track of how you're feeling because, in some rare cases, arrhythmias can cause you to collapse and go into cardiac arrest. If you're regularly experiencing cardiac issues, routine checkups are helpful.

Symptoms to watch out for can include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting spells
• Fatigue
• Fluttering or pounding in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Slow or rapid heartbeat

When working to diagnose an arrhythmia, our surgeons will typically use an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a Holter monitor to record your heart's electrical signal activity. They may also order an echocardiogram, or, an ultrasound of the heart, as well as mapping tools or implantable devices. If your heart is beating too slow, that is known as a bradycardia, while a tachycardia describes when your heart is beating too fast.

3D intracardiac and transesophageal echocardiography (ICE and TEE)

An ICE catheter is a small ultrasound device placed within the heart, in order to provide clear information about its structure.

With the high-resolution pictures that ICE provides, the electrophysiologist can safely and efficiently explore the areas between atrial chambers. By minimizing the potential for complications, they can focus on the task of getting rid of cells that are disruptive and serving as a guide during interventional procedures.

A TEE is used for its ability to provide real-time 3D imaging and offer a more comprehensive evaluation. It works by attaching the ultrasound device to a thin tube that goes into the esophagus, which is close to the upper chambers of the heart. By doing so, doctors can get clear images of those structures using this technique.

Cardiac 3D mapping

In order to help visualize the source and path of an arrhythmia, doctors will create 3D maps of the heart and its chambers in real time during surgical procedures. We have several kinds of mapping systems that help our team see the structures of the heart, so we can position the catheters within one millimeter of the problem cells. Improved visualization helps reduce X-ray exposure and the length of the procedure.

Implantable loop recorders

A loop recorder is a small device that is implanted or injected below the skin of your chest. Measuring no larger than a pack of gum, this powerful device can record any arrhythmias for up to three years.

Our electrophysiologists use a variety of devices and treatments to manage and correct abnormal heart rhythms. Ultimately, the type and severity of your condition will determine what course of action we take, and we will thoroughly discuss this with you so you have the best treatment plan for your unique anatomy.

Cardiac pacemakers

A pacemaker is a device that is connected to your heart muscle via electrodes. When the device senses that your heart is functioning improperly, it takes over from your heart's natural rhythm and delivers an electrical impulse to the heart muscle. Once you are implanted with a pacemaker, you can typically expect a swift recovery and return to your previous activity level.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)

CRT devices are either pacemakers or defibrillators with an extra lead that can pace both ventricles of the heart, working to synchronize them and improve overall cardiac function. CRTs have been shown to improve your quality of life and lessen the risk of serious complications if you have congestive heart failure.

Catheter ablations

As arrhythmias are often caused by cells in the heart that misfire or change the normal electrical signal, a doctor may recommend an ablation to kill those cells that are causing the abnormal rhythm, especially when medication proves ineffective.

A catheter ablation uses a series of thin, flexible wires that are inserted through an artery or vein and guided to the heart. Once the electrophysiologist has made sure the heart is beating abnormally, they create a 3D map showing the abnormal rhythm's type and location.

Using the map as a guide, the electrophysiologist places the catheter in the correct area and destroys the problem cells with a very small and focused radiofrequency wave. They will then try to induce the abnormal rhythm to make sure that the problem cells are no longer an issue.

Cryoablation

Otherwise known as cryoballoon catheter ablation, this procedure acts as an alternative to traditional radiofrequency energy ablation. It uses extreme cold to freeze the heart cells, which means shorter procedure times and less radiation exposure.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD)

An ICD device monitors the heart for abnormal heartbeats that may be dangerous and put you at risk for serious complications. The device can deliver an internal shock directly into the heart muscle when it senses that the heart is in abnormal rhythm. This electric shock will help convert the heart rhythm back to normal. Additionally, an ICD can also function as a pacemaker, if necessary.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) heart implant

The permanent heart implant procedure can be particularly helpful for atrial fibrillation. This procedure closes off an area of the heart called the LAA to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke. This implant helps reduce the list of strokes, and ,over time, you may be able to stop taking a blood thinner.