Electrophysiology
Radiofrequency Ablations
Radiofrequency (Microwave) Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a nonsurgical procedure used to treat some types of arrhythmias that manifest themselves with rapid heartbeats. The Wisconsin Heart Hospital offers this technology as a treatment option.
A physician guides a catheter with an electrode at its tip to the area of heart muscle where there's an accessory (extra) pathway. The catheter is guided with real-time, moving X-rays (fluoroscopy) displayed on a video screen. The procedure helps the doctor place the catheter at the exact site inside the heart where cells give off the electrical signals that stimulate the abnormal heart rhythm. Then a mild, painless radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) is transmitted to the pathway. This destroys carefully selected heart muscle cells in a very small area (about 1/5 of an inch). That stops the area from conducting the extra impulses that caused the rapid heartbeats.
Radiofrequency ablations are available at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints and St. Francis and Wheaton Franciscan – The Wisconsin Heart Hospital and St. Joseph campuses.
Studies
An electrophysiology study allows a physician to gather highly specific measurements of the heart's electrical activity and pathways.
An electrophysiology study, or EP study, uses a catheter inserted into a vein or artery to gather the measurements that can help diagnosis abnormally fast heart rhythms, tachycardias, or abnormally slow heart rhythms, bradycardias. An EP study is typically performed only after other noninvasive tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), have been attempted.
After an EP Study
The results of an EP study may lead to further treatment, such as the implantation of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or the prescription of antiarrhythmic medications. Since EP studies can pinpoint the source of abnormal electrical conduction rhythms, the physician may decide to perform a catheter ablation in conjuction with the EP study. This procedure destroys selected, abnormal areas of the heart's conduction system, restoring the heart's normal electrical activity.
If the physician does not need to do additional procedures during an EP study, then the patient can go home after about six hours. However, a hospital stay of up to 24 hours is usually necessary if additional treatments are performed during the EP study.
Physicians:
Peter Chapman, MD, FACC, Electrophysiologist
Stephen Denker, MD, FACC, Electrophysiologist
Charles Lanzarotti, MD, FACC, FACP, Electrophysiologist
Margot Vloka, MD, Electrophysiologist
Jule Wetherbee, MD, FACC, Electrophysiologist