Cardiac Electrophysiology
Breakthroughs in Electrophysiology are Revolutionizing the Testing, Diagnosing and Treatment of Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
March 2007 - Breakthroughs in electrophysiology technology are revolutionizing how Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute physicians are helping patients with heart rhythm abnormalities.
Electrophysiology procedures are invasive (involves puncture of the skin or small incision) or non-invasive. Invasive procedures and tests include electrophysiology (EP) studies and the mapping of the heart, radiofrequency arrhythmia ablation, permanent pacemaker implantation and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Non-invasive tests include the tilt table test and NIPS (noninvasive programmed stimulation).
Advancements and Innovations
Several advancements are offered at Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute, including three-dimensional imaging of the heart, intracardiac echo that uses highfrequency sound waves to image the heart and wireless communication between cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators and doctors’ offices.
Intracardiac Echo That Uses High-Frequency Sound Waves
Memorial is also using intracardiac echocardiography. During this procedure a tiny probe is placed inside the heart. This probe utilizes high-frequency sound waves to image the heart, helping physicians achieve more effective and safer results.
Wireless Communication Between Patients’ Pacemakers and Doctors
“We offer patients the newest pacemakers and defibrillators available in the United States,” notes Dr. Mitrani. This advanced technology allows wireless communication between a doctor’s office and a patient’s home monitoring station. Now, through patient’s phone lines, doctors can download information, via secure internet sites, regarding a patient’s status and their pacer or defibrillator’s functionality.
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