Arrhythmia Treatment

Cardioversion

A cardioversion electrophysiology procedure is when your electrophysiologist performs an electrophysiology procedure that corrects an abnormally fast heart rate using an electric shock or medication. Cardioversions are usually scheduled as same day outpatient procedure.

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is used help the heart beat regularly and pump blood efficiently. It is often recommended to correct a slow heart rate or a heart rate that is irregular.

You may be considered for a permanent pacemaker if you are experiencing symptoms that are due to an irreversible cause. During a permanent pacemaker procedure, your electrophysiologist will make a small incision just beneath the collarbone. They will then guide the lead wire(s) through a blood vessel and into your heart. The pacemaker generator will be connected to the lead wire(s) and inserted under the skin just below the collarbone. The number of leads implanted will depend on your condition.

We offer:

• Single-chamber pacemakers (1 lead)
• Dual-chamber pacemakers (2 leads)
• Three-chamber pacemakers (3 leads) (cardiac re-synchronization therapy)
• Lead extraction
• His Bundle Pacing (HBP) – this is an emerging therapy that can be helpful for patients needing cardiac resynchronization
• Leadless Pacemaker – Leadless pacemakers offer a new platform of technology where the heart can be stimulated without wires attached to it. A small capsule-like device featuring electronics, battery and anchoring mechanisms is directly implanted into the heart chamber from vascular access in the leg.

Procedure time: 1-3 hours

Hospital stay: Will usually require an overnight stay for monitoring

Follow-up care: Your pacemaker will need to be checked regularly about every three months – most checks occur remotely while some are done in the office – and the generator will need to be replaced approximately every 8-10 years.

Pacemaker lead extraction is performed at Research Medical Center and Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

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Defibrillator

A defibrillator can identify and cure arrhythmias that may cause sudden cardiac arrest. It monitors a person’s heart rate and delivers a shock when the rhythm becomes dangerous. They are recommended for patients with life-threateningly fast or chaotic heartbeats that are not correctable through other therapies.

We offer:

• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – Implanted the same way as a pacemaker
• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator (CRTD) – A three-chamber ICD inserted the same way as a three-chamber PM
• Subcutaneous ICDs – Uses an electrode beneath the skin as opposed to a lead a through blood vessel
• Life Vest Defibrillators – Wearable technology

Procedure time: 1-3 hours

Hospital stay: Will usually require an overnight stay for monitoring

Follow-up care: After implantation, your defibrillator will be checked every three months to ensure it is functioning properly and is effectively treating your condition. Your defibrillator will need to be replaced every five to eight years.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure

For AFib patients who cannot tolerate blood thinners on a long-term basis, a minimally invasive left atrial appendage (LAA) closure electrophysiology procedure may be performed to close the left atrial appendage (a small sac in the upper left chamber of the heart where blood can pool and form clots). This electrophysiology procedure has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke.

Types of LAA closure procedures offered:

• LARIAT – A catheter-based electrophysiology procedure using a device that looks like a lasso to close off the left atrial appendage from outside the heart.
• WATCHMAN^™ – A catheter-based electrophysiology procedure performed through a small incision in the leg. A cap like device is deployed from inside the heart to seal the pouch.
• AtriClip – Using minimally invasive surgical approach, a clip is placed on the outside of the LAA to permanently prevent blood from entering.

Procedure time: 1-3 hours

Hospital stay: Will usually require an overnight stay for monitoring

This is service is offered at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Research Medical Center. Learn more about LAA Closure

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is a painless, minimally invasive, low-risk electrophysiology procedure used to either treat or cure various rhythm disorders such as:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• Ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular tachycardia (PVC)
• Other types of cardiac arrhythmias

At KCHRI, we use cutting-edge technology to deliver the most modern care with the best possible results, including:

• Three-dimensional cardiac mapping – Allowing for greater accuracy of catheter placement. Accuracy is one of the most important factors in the success of ablation and can decrease procedure time and radiation exposure.
• Robotic stereotaxis mapping and catheter ablation system – Using two powerful magnets, catheters are maneuvered to perform highly detailed mapping and ablation of the arrhythmia. This is especially valuable when treating arrhythmias related adult congenital heart disease, ventricular arrhythmias, or other complex, hard-to-reach areas of the heart where arrhythmias may begin. This cutting-edge technology can improve success rates and decrease electrophysiology procedure time, radiation exposure, and complications.

Cardiac ablation is performed by threading a catheter (long, thin tube) into your blood vessel (usually in the groin) and to your heart. Energy is then used to scar the tissue causing your fast heart rate.

We offer various methods of ablation including:

• Radiofrequency ablation – Uses heat energy to destroy the cells causing the problem
• Cryoablation – Uses extreme cold is to destroy the problem cells
• Newer technologies – Available through clinical research studies

Procedure time: 2-4 hours

Hospital stay: You can usually go home following day

Our four advanced cardiac electrophysiology labs (EP labs) are located at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, and Research Medical Center. Learn more about heart ablation