ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
Heart Rhythm Center - Dallas
In fiscal year 2018 , patients with complex heart rhythm disorders from throughout the region continued to seek the medical expertise and technology offered via the Heart Rhythm Center at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas . The team consists of fellowship-trained cardiac electrophysiologists – cardiologists on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas with intensive training in evaluating and treating heart arrhythmias — along with experienced nurse practitioners and nurses .
Patients benefit from accurate diagnoses and treatment of irregular heart beat conditions such as atrial fibrillation , ventricular tachycardia , atrial flutter , atrial tachycardia , PACs and PVCs , and other related arrhythmias . The team provides physicians and patients with information on heart arrhythmias and evidence-based treatment options including medication therapy , catheter-based procedures and surgery .
Specialized interventions include :
• 3D mapping for complex arrhythmia ablation
• Transcatheter ablation therapy , radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy
• Left atrial appendage closure
• Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator ( ICD ) device implantation
• Laser-assisted lead extraction
Clinicians involved with the Heart Rhythm Center have historically played a pivotal role in clinical research — studies that have led to the development and approval of many practical , advanced interventions . For example , Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Institute has involvement in a study to monitor the safety and effectiveness of a left atrial appendage ( LAA ) closure device .
Through the Heart Rhythm Center , patients have access to clinical research trials examining new devices and treatment methods for cardiac arrhythmias and are evaluated to determine if they are candidates for a clinical trial .
STOP Persistent AF Clinical Trial
The STOP Persistent AF trial enrolls participants to study the safety and efficacy of a dry-balloon device in those with recurrent , symptomatic atrial fibrillation ( AFib ) that has not been controlled by medication . Investigators : Peter Wells , MD , and Kevin Wheelan , MD
Inclusion Criteria :
• Documentation of symptomatic persistent AF : Defined as having a continuous episode lasting longer than seven days but less than six months documented by consecutive ECG recordings OR Defined as having a continuous episode lasting longer than seven days but less than six months documented by an ECG recording and one doctor note indicating patient had symptoms consistent with AF
• Failure or intolerance of at least one Class I or III antiarrhythmic drug
• Age 18 or older ( or older than 18 if required by local law )
Wired for Life is an educational class for patients on Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators ( ICDs ). The Electrophysiology team provides patients with guidance , encouragement and support on use of their ICDs . Patients suffering from cardiomyopathy , congestive heart failure , or who have experienced sudden cardiac arrest know that the ICD can be a life vest . Six times a year , a workshop designed for these patients is offered by clinical experts . In fiscal year 2018 , more than 230 patients attended this class . The class is also open to anyone in the community who has an ICD — regardless of where the ICD was implanted .
For information about the Heart Rhythm Center , physicians may call 214.820.5306 . To learn more about Wired for Life classes , visit
BaylorHeartHospital . com / Events .