Heart & Vascular Institute
Electrophysiology
The Electrophysiology (EP) Lab in the Heart & Vascular Institute at
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital is one of the longest running and most highly
experienced programs in Northern California for the evaluation and management
of heart rhythm disturbances.
Our dedicated and highly trained EP team is committed to getting the heart rhythm -
and the lives
– of our patients back to normal through comprehensive evaluation, treatment
and follow-up care. We perform a range of specialized services, including
electrophysiology studies, pacemaker and defibrillator implantations,
and ablation procedures.
Since its 1991 inception as the first electrophysiology lab in the North
Bay, the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital EP Lab has been on the forefront
of new procedures and technologies in heart rhythm management. Under the
leadership of EP Lab Director Peter Chang-Sing, M.D., F.A.C.C. our program
actively participates in clinical trials that often provide patients with
early access to new treatment options.
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
Electrophysiology studies (EPS) are tests that help doctors understand
the nature of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). The results assist
our specialists and electrophysiologist determine the best treatment options
available. Learn more about EPS from the
American Heart Association.
MAZE for Atrial Fibrillation
Maze is an open heart procedure used to treat Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib).
During the procedure, a number of incisions are made on the left and right
atrium of the heart to form scar tissue, which does not conduct electricity
and disrupts the path of abnormal electrical impulses. The scar tissue
also prevents erratic electrical signals from recurring.
Hybrid MAZE
The hybrid maze is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of atrial
fibrillation (A-Fib). It is performed in two stages, both of which create
scar lines in specific places in and around the heart. These scars disrupt
abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation and redirect
them, restoring your heart's rhythm and normal blood flow. The hybrid
maze procedure does offer shorter recover times.
Loop Recorder
A loop recorder is a small device implanted under the skin to monitor arrhythmias
via Bluetooth technology.
3-D Mapping
3-D Mapping is used to create a, much-improved, three-dimensional model
of the heart, without X-rays. Catheters with small electromagnetic sensors
in their tips allow the electrophysiologists to create and manipulate
a computerized 3-D map of the patient's heartbeat. This gives the electrophysiologist
the ability to track the electrical activity of the heart in real time.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is used to restore normal heart rhythm by disabling heart
cells that create an irregular heartbeat. During this minimally invasive
procedure, a thin flexible tube called a balloon catheter is used to locate
and freeze the heart tissue that triggers an irregular heartbeat. This
is used primarily for atrial fibrillation (a-fib).
Temporary & Permanent Devices
- Temporary Pacemaker
- Permanent Pacemaker
-
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) - Also known as
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, The EP Lab was one of the first 25 facilities in the U.S. to participate
in clinical trials for Bi-ventricular ICDs. These devices are designed
to treat patients with Congestive Heart Failure by re-synchronizing the
heart’s pumping action. We are one of the nation’s most experienced
EP facilities in the implantation of Biventricular ICDs.
- Reveal LINQ - Insertable Cardiac Monitoring System revolutionizes cardiac
monitoring and empowers impactful diagnostic and treatment solutions.
-
Micra® Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS)