Electrophysiologists specifically study the electrical circuit of the heart. The Central Minnesota Heart Center has a team of physicians who are widely respected experts in the management of cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal rhythm of the heart).

• Electrophysiology studies - These are special procedures that provide information about the origin and characteristics of arrhythmias.
• Tilt table tests - These procedures help to determine the cause of syncope (fainting or passing out).
• Pacemakers - A pacemaker is a device that functions only when the heartbeat is too slow—when it then provides a timed, electrical signal to the heart. Most pacemakers can be programmed to fit the specific needs of each person.
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) - An ICD is a device, similar to a pacemaker, that is used to treat heart rhythm disorders. The device is placed inside the body during a surgical procedure.
• Catheter ablation - This is a procedure used to ablate (destroy) parts of the abnormal electrical pathway that is causing a heart rhythm problem. During catheter ablation, doctors insert an electrode catheter (a long, flexible wire) into the heart.

Our electrophysiology procedures include:

• intra-cardiac echo
• 3-D mapping
• adult and pediatric ablation
• pacemakers/defibrillators
• bi-ventricular pacemakers/defibrillators
• atrial fibrillation devices
• heart failure devices
• diagnostic electrophysiology studies
• supraventricular and ventricular aAblation
• atrial fibrillation ablation

Electrophysiology Lab

The Central Minnesota Heart Center recently expanded its services with a new electrophysiology (EP) laboratory.

Catheter ablation is performed in the EP lab to treat abnormal heart rhythms. During these procedures, catheters are placed in the heart to diagnose a patient’s rhythm abnormality. Once the diagnosis is established, radiowaves are directed to the area of the heart causing the problem. The radiowaves heat the tissue, damaging a small area of heart muscle responsible for the abnormal heart rhythm. In most cases, patients are cured of the abnormal heart rhythm.

The new EP lab features state-of-the-art imaging and mapping systems. These new facilities enhance the Heart Center’s abilities to provide the most sophisticated and innovative treatment to arrhythmia patients.