Electrophysiology procedures at Denver Heart
At Denver Heart, cardiologists and cardiac specialists use state-of the-art technology to diagnose, treat and monitor a large number of heart conditions and cardiovascular diseases.
Our Electrophysiology Program involves a number of procedures and interventions to treat cardiac arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly.
At Denver Heart, there are multiple innovative, minimally-invasive treatment options available for patients with irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia. Learn more about AFib
- Roughly 15 to 20 percent of stroke patients have this type of arrhythmia
- Risk factors for AFib include advanced age, high blood pressure, underlying heart disease, family history, binge drinking, and having other chronic health conditions
- Some people with AFib experience no symptoms, while others might feel fatigue, a fluttering or thumping in the chest, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, or weakness
- There are both non-surgical and surgical procedures to treat AFib
Electrophysiology procedures
Denver Heart provides a full range of procedures and treatments for patients with AFib or other heart conditions related to arrhythmia. These procedures include:
- Pacemaker insertion – A pacemaker is designed to help regulate the heartbeat and prevent the heart from beating at a dangerously slow rate. A physician might recommend a pacemaker to treat bradycardia, Tachy-brady syndrome or heart block.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – This type of electronic device is designed to monitor and regulate potentially fast or life-threatening irregular heartbeats. An ICD helps reset the heart’s rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
- AFib Ablation Procedures – Ablation refers to a procedure in which the heart tissue that is triggering the abnormal heartbeat is scarred or destroyed. There are multiple types of cardiac ablation procedures, including Hybrid Ablation, Catheter Ablation and others. Learn more about AFib treatment.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation – This procedure is used to treat irregular heart rhythms in the heart's upper chambers, which cause the heart to beat too fast. These include: atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia. During this procedure, surgeons use catheters to access the target area of the heart, where radiofrequency ablation (electrical energy) or cryoablation (cold) is used to damage the area, creating scar tissue, which may restore normal heart rhythm.
- Ventricular tachycardia ablation – This procedure is used to treat irregular heart rhythms in the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), which cause the heart to beat too fast. Like SVT ablation, surgeons use catheters to access the affected area of the heart, where radiofrequency ablation (electrical energy) or cryoablation (cold) is used to damage the area, creating scar tissue, which may restore normal heart rhythm.
- Lead extraction – Leads are used with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). This special wire transmits energy to keep the device working properly. Some patients who have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may need to have a lead extracted due to damage to the lead, scar tissue, infection or blockage. Our team can remove the lead through an incision in the upper chest or groin.
Innovative treatment options for heart patients
Denver Heart provides the latest and most innovative treatments available for a full range of heart conditions, including AFib and other types of arrhythmia. Our cardiac specialists and cardiologists are committed to the prevention and treatment of heart disease, ensuring that all patients receive a high level of care from a team of experts.