Cardiac Electrophysiology

Cardiac Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical system of the heart. This field of cardiology deals with tachyarrhythmias (fast heart rhythms) and bradyarrhythmias (slow heart rhythms). This field of cardiology is designed to assess these complex arrhythmias, evaluate symptoms thought to be related to an arrhythmia, assess risk of developing and arrhythmia in the future, and design treatment for arrhythmia.

Examples of diagnoses that might be treated include:

Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Flutter
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardias
Ventricular Tachycardia
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Bradycardia
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Syncope (passing out)

Procedures related to Electrophysiology:

Electrophysiology (EP) study: a catheter is inserted into the heart via the leg or neck to diagnose arrhythmias.
Catheter Ablation: Similar to an EP study, and performed to eliminate abnormal circuits or tissue in the heart that can start or maintain an arrhythmia.
Tilt Table Test: A test to evaluate syncope (passing out spells) or pre-syncope (nearly passing out) to determine if a rhythm issue is present.
Pacemaker: A pacemaker is a small electronic device which treats slow heart rhythms. It is usually placed in the upper chest via a small incision under the collar bone. The pacemaker battery about the size of a half dollar is attached to wires inside the heart and keeps the heart from going to slow. These devices need periodic follow-up.
Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD): Similar to but larger than a pacemaker, these devices can treat both slow and fast heart rhythms. These devices monitor the heart rate and are designed to stop fast heart rhythms usually with a shock. These devices need periodic follow-up.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): A special type of pacemaker or ICD used in addition to medication to treat congestive heart failure (CHF). These devices restore the mechanical sequence to the heart helping it work more efficiently, and improving CHF symptoms.

Physicians at GCCC currently working in this field:

Dr. Jefferson Burroughs, Electrophysiologist performs all the above procedures.
Dr. Zubair Haq, General Cardiology pacemaker implantation and follow-up.
Dr. Richard Henthorn, Electrophysiologists performs all the above procedures.