Arrhythmias
Heart Rhythm Program Helps Patients' Hearts Keep a Steady Beat
The electrophysiologists at the Torrance Memorial Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute's Heart Rhythm Program diagnose and treat conditions that affect the heart's electrical system. These conditions, called arrhythmias, can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly.
Our specialists use advanced diagnostic testing, minimally invasive procedures and implanted cardiac devices to develop treatment plans based on each patient's type of arrhythmia, symptoms, overall health and risk of complications.
Heart Rhythm Conditions We Treat
Our electrophysiologists treat a wide range of abnormal heart rhythms, including:
- Accessory pathway tachycardias
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Atrial flutter
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
- Premature atrial contractions (PACs)
- Ventricular tachycardia
Diagnosis
To diagnose an arrhythmia, your physician will review your symptoms and medical history and may evaluate conditions that can affect heart rhythm, such as heart disease, sleep apnea or thyroid disease. Diagnostic and heart-monitoring tests may include:
Comprehensive Heart Rhythm Treatment
Treatment for an arrhythmia depends on the type of rhythm disorder, its severity, the symptoms it causes and the patient's risk of stroke or other complications. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation, an implanted cardiac device or a surgical procedure.
When advanced treatment is needed, Torrance Memorial electrophysiologists use minimally invasive techniques and advanced cardiac mapping and ablation technologies in dedicated electrophysiology laboratories and operating rooms.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms. An electrophysiologist guides thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a blood vessel, typically in the groin, and into the heart. Advanced mapping technology helps identify the small areas of heart tissue producing or carrying abnormal electrical signals.
The physician then delivers energy to the targeted tissue to block those signals and help restore a more regular heart rhythm. Depending on the arrhythmia and the patient's anatomy, treatment may use radiofrequency energy, freezing technology or pulse field ablation.
Pulse Field Ablation (PFA)
Pulse field ablation, or PFA, is a nonthermal form of catheter ablation used primarily to treat certain patients with atrial fibrillation. Instead of using heat or extreme cold, PFA delivers rapid electrical pulses that disable the targeted heart cells responsible for abnormal electrical signals.
Because PFA is designed to act selectively on heart tissue, it may reduce the effect on nearby structures compared with thermal ablation. The technology may also allow some procedures to be completed more efficiently. A cardiac electrophysiologist determines whether PFA or another ablation approach is most appropriate for each patient.
Torrance Memorial offers multiple PFA technologies, including Boston Scientific's FARAWAVE and FARAPOINT catheters and Medtronic's Affera mapping and ablation system. Affera combines high-definition cardiac mapping with the ability to deliver either pulse field or radiofrequency energy. Access to multiple platforms allows physicians to tailor treatment to the patient's heart rhythm disorder and anatomy.
Learn more about pulse field ablation for AFib at Torrance Memorial.
Advanced Hybrid Ablation Procedures
Hybrid ablation may be considered for selected patients with persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The procedure combines a surgical approach to the outside of the heart with catheter-based ablation inside the heart.
During hybrid ablation, a cardiac electrophysiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon work together to create controlled lines or areas of treated tissue that block abnormal electrical signals and help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Pacemakers
A pacemaker is a small implanted device that monitors the heartbeat and sends electrical impulses when the heart is beating too slowly or irregularly. Traditional pacemakers include a pulse generator placed under the skin and one or more leads that connect to the heart.
For selected patients, Torrance Memorial also offers leadless pacemakers. These compact devices are placed directly inside the heart and do not require a surgical pocket in the chest or traditional transvenous leads. The electrophysiology team determines which type of pacemaker is most appropriate based on the patient's condition and anatomy.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD, continuously monitors the heart rhythm. If the device detects a dangerously fast rhythm, it can deliver pacing or an electrical shock to restore a safer heartbeat. An ICD may be recommended for patients at increased risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion uses a brief, controlled electrical shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm. It is often used to treat atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or certain other rapid arrhythmias. Patients receive sedation during the procedure, and medication may be required before or after cardioversion to reduce the risk of blood clots or help maintain a normal rhythm.
Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion
The left atrial appendage is a small pouch connected to the upper left chamber of the heart. In patients with atrial fibrillation, blood can collect in this pouch and form clots that may increase the risk of stroke.
For selected patients, a cardiothoracic surgeon may close or exclude the left atrial appendage using sutures or a surgical clip. This treatment may be performed during another heart operation or as part of a coordinated surgical and electrophysiology treatment plan.
State-of-the-Art Facilities & Technology
Our specialists perform electrophysiology procedures in two dedicated, fully staffed electrophysiology laboratories equipped with advanced cardiac mapping, ablation and device-implantation technologies.
- 3D electroanatomical mapping systems: These systems create detailed three-dimensional maps of the heart's anatomy and electrical activity. The maps help physicians locate abnormal signals and guide catheter ablation with precision.
- Pulse field ablation platforms: Torrance Memorial uses FARAWAVE, FARAPOINT and the Affera mapping and ablation system to provide multiple PFA treatment approaches for eligible patients.
- Dual-energy mapping and ablation: The Affera system combines high-definition mapping with pulse field and radiofrequency ablation capabilities, allowing physicians to select the appropriate energy and treatment pattern during a procedure.
- Advanced implanted cardiac devices: Our specialists implant and manage traditional and leadless pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and other rhythm-management devices based on each patient's needs.
