Why Choose the Electrophysiology (EP) and Heart Rhythm Program
Team approach to care
Your child will benefit from the experience of all four of our electrophysiologists. Our specialists are in constant contact and frequently consult with each other on challenging cases.
- Treatment that’s tailored to each child: We individualize care to each patient. We work with your family to find a treatment option that will give your child the best outcome and quality of life.
- Multidisciplinary care: We recognize that patients with complex cardiac problems require more than one specialist, and that the caregiver’s time is of vital importance. We collaborate closely with our Cardiac Center specialists to streamline your child’s treatment so that you can avoid multiple visits to the hospital. To that end, we strive to offer combined (same day) appointments with our specialists in Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Heart Transplantation, Adult Congenital Heart Disease and General Cardiology.
Care that caters to kids
Many of the tests we perform to diagnose heart arrhythmias can be challenging for young children. We often ask them to remain still or perform unfamiliar tasks, such as running on a treadmill and wearing heart monitors. All of our team members, from our nurses to our diagnostic technicians, know just how to work with your child so we’re able to collect the data we need — the first time — in order to make a proper diagnosis.
State-of-the-art diagnostic options
We offer the latest diagnostic technology for your child. In addition to standard electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG), we offer the following:
- Signal average ECG
- Ambulatory Holter monitoring with wireless technology
- Looping and non-looping event monitors with wireless technology
- Electrode options for patients with hypersensitive skin
- Novel patch adhesive ambulatory rhythm monitors for select patients who are intolerant of wires and cables
- Implantable loop monitor
- Treadmill and stationary bicycle exercise stress testing
- Diagnostic electrophysiologic studies
State-of the-art catheter ablation program
While most of the electrophysiology laboratories have a single 3D mapping systems, we are one of the few centers in the world to have several advanced 3D technologies to electrically map the heart and eliminate arrhythmias with extreme precision and minimum fluoroscopy exposure. Depending on the nature of your child’s arrhythmia, we have the options to select the mapping system that is right for your child’s condition. Our state-of-the-art mapping and ablation technologies include:
- CARTO®3, 3D Mapping system with latest modules
- Ensite Precision® Cardiac Mapping System
- Rhythmia HDx® High-density Cardiac Mapping System
- Low dose bi-plane fluoroscopy
- Intracardiac echocardiography
- Cryoablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Advanced ablation catheters with irrigation and contact force technology
- Multipolar high-resolution diagnostic catheters
State-of-the-art device (pacemaker and ICD) program
We offer the latest device technology to our patients, and were one of the first pediatric electrophysiology programs in the nation to implant new devices such as the sub-cutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) and the trans catheter pacemaker (leadless pacemaker). We are one of the few programs in the country to perform complex laser lead extractions in children. This procedure is performed by a pediatric electrophysiologist with pediatric cardiothoracic surgical backup at all times to ensure patient safety.
- Transvenous pacemakers
- Epicardial pacemakers
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators
- Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD)
- Trans-catheter pacing (leadless pacemaker)
- Laser lead extraction
- Device clinics for pacemaker and ICD evaluation and follow-up
- Pacemaker and ICD remote monitoring
Inherited Cardiac Channelopathy Program
Inherited or genetic cardiac channelopathies are a group of syndromes. Some examples are Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. These conditions can affect the cardiovascular electrical system, with a potential for life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Our team of electrophysiologists combine world-renowned academic excellence and clinical judgment to fully diagnose, treat and manage these conditions. In addition, we can arrange for :
- Genetic counseling
- Genetic testing
- Lifestyle management recommendations
Novel anti-arrhythmic medications
We recognize that patients with arrhythmias respond differently to various anti-arrhythmic medications. We strive to find the right medication for your child. We continue to perform research to find medications that may be safe and efficacious for our pediatric patients.
National cardiovascular data registry participation
Our Electrophysiology Program is committed to measuring and improving quality of care. In addition to institutional quality improvement programs, we participate in the following National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) of the American College of Cardiology:
Clinical volume
Our Electrophysiology Program has one of the largest clinical volumes in the country. We are one of the very few programs that have a dedicated inpatient cardiac electrophysiology service. Since 2005, our group has performed nearly 4,000 electrophysiology (EP) procedures. In addition, our EP Program provides inpatient care and consultations and evaluates approximately 3,000 patients in our outpatient clinics each year. We provide outpatient services at the Main Campus as well as our Specialty Care Centers in Bucks, Lancaster and Exton. On an average, 40,000 ECG’s and 3,000 Holters are interpreted each year. Other non-invasive services include event monitors, exercise stress test arrhythmia evaluations, device remote monitoring, and genetic testing.