Electrophysiology
Swedish has the most advanced electrophysiology program in the region including radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and 3-D mapping without using X-rays for catheter manipulation. And, Swedish has the only remote navigation system in the state, which is used in manipulating catheters.
Swedish is on the forefront of electrophysiology, which focuses on electrical activity in the heart. Patients suffering from heart arrhythmia problems are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The expertly-trained physicians, nurses and staff of Swedish’s electrophysiology program have pioneered many treatment approaches for heart rhythm disorders. In fact, we were the first on the West Coast to perform hybrid surgery on patients with persistent, long-lasting atrial fibrillation.
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Bradycardia
- Heart Block
- Palpitations
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
- Inpatient and outpatient clinical evaluation: We see patients both in the office and in the hospital who have, or who are suspected of having, abnormal heart rhythms. Additional testing or treatment may be recommended based on this assessment.
- Electrophysiology (EP) Study - Testing and Mapping: An EP study records the electrical activity of your heart so that your heart specialist can find the cause of your heart’s rhythm disturbance and determine the best treatment. Multi-electrode catheters are inserted through your groin (rarely via your neck or collarbone area) and placed in the heart to determine the electrical patterns.
- 3-D Mapping Systems: Specialized 3-D mapping techniques are used to locate the source of particularly complex heart rhythm problems. The 3-D mapping involves a catheter and a powerful computer. The computer processes signals picked up in the heart by the catheter then displays the information on a 3-D map of the heart chamber. This allows physicians to identify the exact source (or sources) of the irregular heartbeat.
- Remote Magnetic Navigation: Magnet navigation is used to guide catheters through the body to improve catheter-based cardiac procedures, including those used to treat both coronary artery disease and heart rhythm disorders. Swedish was one of the first places in the world to offer this advanced technology.
Treatment options are available for all AFib patients, whether you have pre-existing heart disease or AFib is your only condition. Medications used to be the primary treatment for heart rhythm disorders, and many of these disorders were considered untreatable. Today, there are many treatments that provide long-term solutions for patients, such as ablation techniques where catheters are used to correct heart tissue that is causing unusually fast or irregular heart rates.
- Ablation techniques
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Cryoablation
- Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
- Outpatient arrhythmia monitoring
- Outpatient pacemaker and defibrillator follow-up and management
- Pacemakers and defibrillators
- Cardiac pacemakers
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)
- Biventricular pacemaker and cefibrillators
Providers Specializing in Electrophysiology
At Swedish, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
