AVN Ablation – Atrioventricular nodal (AVN) ablation is used to treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. The ablation focuses on the AV node, a specialized tissue which is part of the heart’s electrical system. This is performed in conjunction with the implantation of a pacemaker.
Epicardial Ablation – This is a minimally-invasive ablation procedure that employs small incisions below the ribs to treat regions on the outside of the heart. While not suitable for all patients, when indicated it can help reduce procedure and recovery times.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – Similar to a pacemaker, this device monitors the patient’s heart for abnormal rhythms, such as tachycardia or fibrillation, which might be dangerous and life threatening. If an abnormal rhythm is detected, it delivers a electric pulse to the heart to restore a normal function.
Bi-Ventricular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – In addition to providing the life saving functions of an ICD, these devices are used for cardiac resynchronization therapy, which helps coordinate the beating of the heart’s chambers so they function more effectively. The design uses two or three leads which may be placed in the left ventricle, right ventricle and/or right atrium.
Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) Ablation - Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) is an abnormally high heart rate caused by the sinus node, which is the heart’s primary pacemaker tissue. IST is often difficult to treat but catheter ablation, sometimes combined with pacemaker implants, has shown promising results.
Lead Extractions – Pacemakers and ICDs employ special wires, called leads, to deliver energy from the implant to the heart muscle. If the leads are not working properly, they may need to be removed. Lead extraction may be required due to a lead malfunction, infection, or a build up of scar tissue around the lead site that reduces implant efficacy.
Pacemaker – These devices help the heart maintain a regular heartbeat and improve heart function. These small devices monitor the patient’s heart rhythm and, when needed, deliver a small electrical impulse to the heart that causes it to contract. There are also specialized implants to treat different conditions, including:
Bi-Ventricular Pacer – These devices are used for cardiac resynchronization therapy, which helps coordinate the beating of the heart’s chambers so they function more effectively. The design uses two or three leads which may be placed in the left ventricle, right ventricle and/or right atrium.
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) Ablation – Premature ventricular complexes (PVC) result from extraneous beats from the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles, and are generally easy to detect. While PVCs are not always dangerous, they can pose a more serious threat to patients with heart disease. If PVCs cannot be controlled using medication, a PVC ablation can selectively remove the heart tissue causing the arrhythmia.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation – Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT), so called because they originate in the heart’s upper chambers, are among the most common arrhythmias. SVT, which causes a rapid or “racing” heartbeat, can be treated using ablation therapy which targets and eliminates the heart cells causing the irregular heartbeat.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) / Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) Ablation – Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast heart rhythm in one of the heart’s ventricles. VT is sometimes a precursor to ventricular fibrillation (VF), a very serious condition in which the heart experiences uncontrolled contractions that can lead to sudden cardiac death.