Providing the best solutions for atrial fibrillation

Our electrophysiology (EP) team performs the region’s most cutting-edge procedures, including ablation treatment of arrhythmias-such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and laser extraction of device leads. Saint Vincent serves as the region's leader, performing well over 1,000 EP cases per year including diagnostic testing, pacemaker/defibrillator implants and interventions. In addition, Saint Vincent offers follow-up care for EP patients through the pacemaker and ICD support groups.

Saint Vincent's electrophysiologists work in dedicated electrophysiology labs that allow them to diagnose and characterize cardiac arrhythmias in a controlled setting. Results of electrophysiology testing help guide the treatment of arrhythmias with medications, surgery or catheter ablation.

If you or a loved one thinks that their atrial fibrillation could be better manager, talk to one of our electrophysiologists about what they can do for you. Our electrophysiologists are also available throughout the region in Corry, Meadville and Westfield.  To contact one of Saint Vincent's atrial fibrillation experts, call 814- 456-9197.

What treatment options are available for atrial fibrillation patients?

Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Center offers radio frequency catheter ablation to correct abnormal electrical signals or “short circuits” in the heart. Radio frequency catheter ablation involves the insertion and threading of a catheter with multiple electrodes attached through a vein and into the heart. “Short circuits” are eliminated, enabling the heart to beat normally without surgery.

For some cases of AF, both paroxysmal (sudden) and chronic AF, the minimally invasive mini-maze procedure might be more appropriate. This procedure involves three small insertions through which a tiny video camera and video-guided instruments are inserted. The surgeon will identify the faulty areas, create ablations to block irregular signals and close off the left atrial appendage where stroke-causing blood clots typically form. This procedure is far less invasive than major heart surgery and offers patients a quicker recovery and less risk of infection.

For AF patients who have a slow heart rate, a pacemaker or implantable cardiac device is one option for treatment. The pacemaker sends small electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a regular heart rate. The pacemaker has two major components: the pulse generator and the leads. The pulse generator houses the battery and a tiny computer. The leads are wires that send impulses from the pulse generator to the heart muscle, as well as sense the heart’s electrical activity. Like any electronic technology, the leads that carry energy to and from these devices can experience wear and tear or become defective, or the patient can develop an infection. Until recently, patients often had to travel out of the region for the difficult procedure of manually removing the lead(s). But recently, the Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Center became the only hospital in the region to offer laser lead removal – a new, simpler, more effective method for removing leads. In this procedure, a sheath is inserted into the vein and a laser is used to break up the surrounding tissue and remove the lead.

To figure out what the best treatment option is for you, talk to your electrophysiologist about the options available.