2023-2024 Cardiovascular Institute Annual Report CVI | Page 16

ARRHYTHMIA

UAB Medicine ’ s Electrophysiology ( EP ) Section is the largest and most experienced program of its kind in Alabama . UAB ’ s electrophysiologists are leaders in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation / flutter , premature ventricular contractions ( PVC ), ventricular tachycardia , Wolff- Parkinson-White syndrome , left atrial appendage , and atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia .

Our internationally acclaimed physicians work within a multidisciplinary group of scientists and with other UAB departments , such as Biomedical Engineering , to provide extensive diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients with complex arrhythmias . Approximately 2,800 rhythm-related procedures are performed each year in the four EP suites in the UAB Heart and Vascular Center , with well-documented success .

More than 600 ventricular arrhythmia ablations in the past 3 years

• History of innovative scientific and clinical contributions to the field of catheter ablation

• Current mapping technology has eliminated the need for contrast and fluoroscopy for almost all procedures , including atrial fibrillation ablation , making procedures safer for patients .

• Vascular closure and early ambulation allow most patients to be discharged the same day .

• Advanced mapping technology allows for successful ablation of complex tachycardia .

• UAB is a major referral center for pacemaker and ICD lead extraction , with approximately 80 procedures performed annually .

• Left atrial appendage occlusion procedures are performed to close the left atrial appendage and protect patients from stroke without the use of long-term blood thinners . Most patients can be discharged the same day .

• UAB is a leader in technology development , with a number on ongoing studies for arrythmia management and left atrial appendage closure .

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY PROCEDURES

CARDIAC MAPPING LCV SLOW CONDUCTION THROUGH SCAR

CY21 CY22

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ( LAAO )

168 206

Other 93 101

14 UAB Cardiovascular Institute 2023 Annual Report