Cardiac - Heart Rhythm Program

Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)

Individuals who suffer from irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmia can greatly benefit from an electrophysiology study. An EPS involves the insertion of catheters ( thin plastic tubes) into different regions of the heart in order to study and map the electrical circuits of the heart. At Southlake, a sophisticated computer is used to create a three-dimensional, multi-coloured image that shows electrical signals passing through the heart. From this physicians can locate the source of the abnormal rhythm and then guide a catheter to the exact location to ablate, or burn, the pathway of the abnormal rhythm.

Ablation Procedures

In some cases, once the source of the abnormal heart rhythm is located during an electrophysiology study, its pathway through the heart is ablated or burned away. This allows the patient to return to normal life without the need for ongoing drug treatments.

Southlake’s Arrhythmia Program Introduces Pulmonary Vein Isolation and CARTO mapping procedures – January 2004

ICD Insertion

For individuals who experience irregular heart rhythms that can be life threatening, the insertion of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be required. This procedure involves the implantation of a small battery-operated device under the left or right collarbone. Once positioned, leads are inserted into the heart. Should a life threatening incident occur in the heart’s rhythm, the device is capable of automatically shocking the heart to return to a normal rhythm.

Southlake implants first Bi-Ventricular ICD - August 25, 2003

Southlake Regional Health Centre: first community hospital in Ontario to perform ICD implant – January 23, 2002

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Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

The implantable loop recorder (ILR) can evaluate patients with unexplained symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, or episodes of fainting (syncope). The ILR is a small device with internal electrodes that is temporarily implanted under the skin, usually in the left shoulder area below the collar bone. The recorder continuously monitors an individual's heart rhythm on a 24- hour basis. Patients are given a hand held activator to record and store their heart rhythms each time they experience a symptom. This stored information can then be retrieved from the device and reviewed by the physician to help make a diagnosis. The ILR is removed once sufficient information has been retrieved or when the battery is depleted (approximately 14 months).

Permanent Pacemaker Insertion

Individuals whose heart beats too slowly or irregularly may benefit from the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. This procedure involves the implantation of a small battery-operated device under the left or right collarbone. Once positioned, pacing leads are inserted into the heart to electrically stimulate and correct slow or irregular heart rhythms.

Tilt Table Testing

A tilt table test is used to diagnose individuals who suffer with unexplainable fainting spells. The procedure requires the patient to lie on a table, which then raises them, in increments, to a standing position. During the test, the heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored and a medication that is very similar to the patient’s own adrenaline may be administered. If the patient does experience a drop in blood pressure during the test it is considered positive and this result helps to determine how best to treat the symptoms. Treatments vary from medication to a change in diet and will be discussed with the patient by their cardiologist.

ICD/Pacemaker Assessment and Follow-up Clinic

The clinic’s staff provide ongoing assessment to individuals with permanent pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD), as well as to program and monitor pacemaker batteries to ensure their safe functioning. Follow-up visits also give registered nurses, who are trained in cardiac pacing, the opportunity to provide valuable education to patients and their family.

More information
Tel.: (905) 895-4521, ext. 2055
Fax:  (905) 830-5806

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