Cardiac electrophysiology (EP) is the study of the heart's electrical system. Practiced for about 20 years, EP studies involve insertion of a heart catheter to diagnose irregular heartbeat, for treatment, or to perform procedures such as pacemaker implantation procedure, defibrillator insertion, or ablation.
A relatively new EP procedure offers a permanent cure for atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, and a serious risk for stroke. Also, new hope for some heart failure patients is available with cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantation of a new type of pacemaker.
Procedures available at St. Mary's Electrophysiology Lab include:
- Diagnostic Electrophysiology studies
- Radiofrequency ablations
- Pacemaker implants
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy for chronic congestive heart failure
- Implantable cardiac defibrillator device
- Loop recorder implantation
- Biventricular pacer/defibrillator implants