(EP) Services and Device Clinic.

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Electrophysiology is the cardiology specialty that diagnoses and treats heart arrhythmias, or problems related to the heart's electrical system. Cardiovascular Medicine is proud to have several physicians trained and board certified in Electrophysiology.

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WHAT IS AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST? 

A cardiac Electrophysiologist diagnoses and treats heart rhythm abnormalities, also called arrhythmias. Cardiac Electrophysiologists require special training and experience in addition to their primary cardiology training. Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC has cardiologists on staff that specialize in electrophysiology (EP).

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WHAT KIND OF TESTS CAN DIAGNOSE MY HEART RHYTHM ABNORMALITY?

Many heart rhythm abnormalities can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG is a recording of the heart's electrical impulses using electrodes on the chest. Some heart rhythm abnormalities require additional testing with a procedure called an Electrophysiology Study (EP Study). EP studies are performed in a hospital setting. During an EP Study, catheters are placed in the heart through large blood vessels. These catheters stimulate and record the electrical impulses of the heart. Sometimes a small Implantable Loop Recorder is inserted under the skin to capture infrequent arrhythmia episodes.

 

HOW IS CARDIAC MONITORING PERFORMED? 

A specially trained member of our staff will attach the monitor and instruct you how to use it. The staff member will place electrode patches on your chest. The monitor has wires that will be attached to the electrode patches. The monitor is usually carried in a small pouch that hangs from your neck. Sometimes the monitor is worn on the waist. You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms during the test. Wearing a cardiac monitor is painless and has little risk. Because the electrode patches are attached with tape or adhesives, they may cause mild skin irritation. Please tell our staff member if you are allergic to tapes or any adhesives.

 

Cardiac Monitoring Instructions:

Holter Monitor

Event Monitor

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HOW ARE ARRHYTHMIAS TREATED? 

Some heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) can be treated with medications. Other arrhythmias may be treated with Catheter Ablation. Catheter Ablation uses a small catheter to deliver energy to abnormal tissue eliminating (ablating) the source of the abnormal rhythm. Some arrhythmias may require a permanent pacemaker or intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) implantation.

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WHO WILL CHECK MY PACEMAKER/ICD AND WHAT IS DEVICE CLINIC? 

The electrophysiology team consists of your Electrophysiologist, possibly a Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant, and other specially trained clinical personnel. The team can also include representatives from research and device company providers. Routine follow-up care of pacemakers, ICD's and implanted loop recorders is managed by our clinical staff. These clinical staff are specially trained in the area of electrophysiology and in the care of the implanted devices used. We currently offer Device Clinics at our Davenport and Moline Offices.

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WHERE CAN I SEE AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST? 

The Electrophysiologists are available for outpatient office visits and consultations at the following locations:

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IOWA
Burlington Outreach
Clinton Outreach
Davenport Office
Dubuque Outreach
Muscatine Outreach

ILLINOIS
Geneseo Outreach
Moline Office
Silvis Office
 

 

If you would like to obtain further information on the services provided by our Electrophysiology Department, please feel free to contact us.