What is electrophysiology?

Dignity Health Medical Foundation’s electrophysiologists use the most advanced technology and procedures available to detect, diagnose and treat arrhythmias. Electrophysiology is the cardiology specialty that diagnoses and treats problems related to the heart’s electrical system or heart rhythm malfunctions.

Typically, arrhythmias are treated and controlled by medication, implanted heart devices and/or surgical procedures.

• ICD Placement: An ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) is a surgically-placed device that monitors and corrects the heart’s rhythm.

• Pacemaker Placement: A pacemaker is a surgically-placed device that keeps the heart beating at the right pace.

• Catheter Ablation: A procedure that destroys the cells causing the heart’s rhythm problems. Dignity Health Medical Foundation also offers a robotic-assisted, less invasive ablation for some arrhythmia patients.

• Watchman Procedure: The Watchman is a minimally invasive, surgically-placed device implanted directly into the heart of a patient with atrial fibrillation, reducing the patient’s risk of stroke. This procedure is recommended for patients who cannot take blood thinners such as Warfarin for extended periods of time. Learn more about the Watchman device and procedure.