Electrophysiology

The heart’s rhythm is regulated by an amazing network of specialized electrically active tissue that coordinates the proper pumping activity of the heart. This process repeats itself for every heartbeat, and occurs billions of times in an individual’s life. Abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system are known as arrhythmias. In bradyarrhythmias, the heart beats too slowly, and in tachyarrhythmias, it beats too fast. Arrhythmias can be treated with a combination of lifestyle modification, medical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures. Our team of experts can help you manage rhythm disorders in a way that promotes a long, healthy, and active lifestyle.

State-of-the-Heart Facilities

Located in the Haynes Cardiovascular Institute at MarinHealth Medical Center, our multiplatform procedural area was designed from scratch, based on input from our experts. The new space opened in late 2020 and is equipped with the latest technology. Our heart mapping equipment is top of the line. Imaging is enhanced through the use of a biplane double camera, enabling our team to perform procedures with minimal fluoroscopy utilization and radiation exposure. The new facility is spacious enough to accommodate the larger teams needed for procedures requiring collaboration with structural heart specialists and open-heart surgeons.

We treat the complete spectrum of electrophysiological conditions:

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Stroke Risk from AFib
Atrial Flutter
Heart Block
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
Sinus Node Dysfunction
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Vasovagal Syncope
Ventricular Tachycardia
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)

Treatments and Services

Noninvasive Tests
We perform a variety of noninvasive tests to help diagnose arrhythmias and other conditions, and to monitor the health of our patients:

Electrocardiogram
Event monitor/mobile cardiac telemetry (MCOT)
Exercise treadmill testing
Holter monitor

Minimally Invasive Procedures
Depending on the severity of a patient’s arrhythmia, we may use minimally invasive procedures to help us diagnose issues and correct heart rhythms:

Cardioversion
Catheter-based cardiac ablation
Cryoablation
Device implantation
Electrophysiology study

Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, or “AFib,” is the most common serious cardiac arrhythmia, affecting an estimated 2.7 million Americans. The symptoms of AFib vary widely. Some experience varying degrees of shortness of breath, lightheadedness, palpitations, and chest discomfort. Others dismiss minor symptoms as fatigue and are not diagnosed until they have a routine medical checkup. Even if symptoms are minor, AFib poses an ongoing risk of stroke. Our team is committed to reducing that risk using all available medications and technologies. Treatment for AFib is highly personalized, depending on each patient’s age, general health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. One or more of the following modalities may be prescribed:

Catheter ablation
Device therapy
Drug therapy
Left atrial appendage occlusion with the WATCHMAN™ implant performed with our structural heart team

Excellent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Outcomes

We track complication rates, AFib recurrences, and rate of repeat ablations —key metrics that determine whether we meet or exceed published statistics in the care of AFib patients:

After ablation, only 4.8% of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation required a repeat ablation and the vast majority remained persistently in normal rhythm
In patients with long-standing, persistent atrial fibrillation, 18% of patients required repeat ablation
Our complication rates are comparable to or lower than published statistics for major heart centers
We consistently exceed benchmarks in patient satisfaction in the outpatient and post-ablation experience.

Clinical Trials

As a leading-edge provider of advanced technology and novel Electrophysiology interventions, MarinHealth Electrophysiology is committed to participating in research studies, with single-center and multi-center clinical trials. In addition to advancing medical science, these trials allow us to offer our patients innovative treatments that are typically only available through an academic hospital.

We are currently enrolling patients in multiple trials:

PLEA-AF Trial: Investigating the ideal strategy for ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation,
Option Trial: Evaluating the optimal mode of stroke prevention post ablation of atrial fibrillation, with anticoagulation or percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion with the WATCHMAN FLX device,
Champion-AF Trial: Comparing outcomes in patients randomized to receive percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion or ongoing blood thinners,
SYNC-AV Trial: Studying cardiac pacemaker settings for re-synchronization of the heart,

Device Implantation

In an effort to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients, we make it our mission to stay on the cutting edge of technology. In 2018, we became the first Bay Area program to implant the leadless Micra™ TPS pacemaker. We were early adopters of the Impella® left ventricular assist device, a mechanical pump used to boost the heart’s pumping activity in patients with high-risk arrhythmias. We offer implantation and follow-up services for a full range of cardiac devices:

Cardiac synchronization therapy (CRT)
Device generator change or replacement
Implantable loop recorder
Implantable defibrillator (ICD)
Leadless pacemakers
Pacemakers
Sub-cutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD)
WATCHMAN device

Heart Failure Management

While heart failure is not a heart-rhythm-related disorder, we frequently collaborate with heart failure specialists on the implantation of devices to monitor or treat the condition:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or biventricular pacing
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
Interdisciplinary collaboration with advanced heart failure specialists, and leveraging strategic alliances in the use of heart pumps and heart transplantation services.