Electrophysiology

Advanced Cardiac Electrophysiology Care

Arrythmia testing

Electrophysiology is a cardiovascular specialty that focuses on the electrical activity of the heart. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of heart arrhythmia disorders, including atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and ventricular tachycardia.

When the heart beats irregularly, the normal circulation of the blood can become irregular and cause a wide range of problems, from dizziness and fatigue to more serious complications like stroke and even sudden cardiac arrest.

Our experienced St. Francis Heart Center-trained cardiologists use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic tests that measure the heart's electrical activity, recommend the best course of treatment, and perform minimally invasive procedures, including cardiac ablations and pacemaker and defibrillator implantations.

Conditions We Treat

Our team of skilled electrophysiologists has advanced training and experience to treat various heart arrhythmia disorders. Arrhythmias can be caused by problems with the heart’s natural electrical system, structural problems in the heart or blood vessels, heart disease, or induced by medications or exposure to certain chemicals and drugs.

Arrhythmia

Tachycardia – A heart rate that is faster than normal. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of tachycardia.
Bradycardia – A heart rate that is slower than normal.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) produces an irregular and often fast heartbeat that causes poor blood flow. It can occur in brief episodes or be a permanent condition. Symptoms of AFib may include:

Chest pain
Extreme fatigue
Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering or pounding)
Irregular heartbeat
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath

Because AFib weakens the heart muscle and increases the chance for stroke or congestive heart failure, it is important to see a cardiologist if you experience any of these symptoms.

Diagnostic Testing

An electrophysiology (EP) study is a diagnostic test that provides information to help diagnose and locate the source of an arrhythmia.

Electrophysiology (EP) Study

During an EP study, the electrophysiologist guides thin catheters to the heart through small incisions. The catheters deliver and record electrical signals and measure the electrical activity in certain locations of the heart muscle.

Using information from the EP study, cardiologists can determine the location of the irregularity and recommend the best course of treatment. EP studies may be used to determine:

The location of an arrhythmia
If certain medications may work or are currently working to treat your arrhythmia
Whether to treat the problem with an ablation procedure
If a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) might help
If you are at risk for serious heart problems or sudden cardiac arrest

Treatments and Procedures

The main goal of treatment is to prevent stroke and blood clots, and focuses on resetting and controlling the heartbeat. Treatments may include medications like blood thinners, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers, or minimally invasive procedures to restore normal heart function.

Your cardiologist will determine which treatment plan is best for you based on your diagnostic test results, your symptoms, and your individual condition.

Minimally invasive procedures that we perform include:

Catheter-Based Radiofrequency Ablation

This minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure restores normal heart function. It does not require stitches or significant incisions and uses small catheters directed to the heart to deliver radiofrequency energy to burn and eliminate the tissue where the arrhythmia originates. The targeted and ablated critical areas prevent recurrent AFib.

Pacemaker and Defibrillator Implantation

Pacemakers and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators can help manage cardiac rhythm. These devices are placed under the skin and are especially helpful to those at high risk for serious Afib complications.

Surgical Ablation (or Mini-Maze)

This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to create lines of ablation along the exterior of the heart. The result is scar tissue that interrupts the faulty electrical pathway that causes the irregular rhythm.

This procedure may be an option if you have a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and are already undergoing cardiac surgery, if you haven’t responded to medication, or if you are at high-risk for blood clots.

Advanced Cardiac Electrophysiology Care

The award-winning cardiology services offered at St. Francis Heart Center are available at Catholic Health hospitals and health care practices across Long Island, providing convenient access to award-winning cardiac care.

Our Electrophysiology Team includes nationally recognized cardiologists who specialize in advanced diagnostics and treatment for atrial fibrillation and other heart arrhythmias.