Cardiac Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology ( EP ) is an important component of the comprehensive cardiovascular services offered at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Fort Worth . Electrophysiologists on the hospital ’ s medical staff are recognized for their expertise in treating all types of heart rhythm disorders , from arrhythmia to atrial fibrillation ( AFib ) and ventricular tachycardia .
EP Cases ( FY18 ) >
Pacemakers / ICDs Implanted ( FY18 ) >
1,300 530
In fiscal year 2018 , the hospital ’ s program to prevent blood clots that form in the left atrial appendage of the heart from traveling to the brain and causing a stroke grew to be the largest of its kind in the region . The left atrial appendage device was implanted in patients with AFib , using a minimally invasive technique . Patients were generally released after 24 hours , and over time with medical supervision and close follow-up , patients were able to decrease the amount of blood thinner medication they were taking .
The device is suitable for patients with nonvalvular AFib who :
• Are at increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHADS2- VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy
• Have an appropriate rationale to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to oral anticoagulation , taking into account the safety and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin
The EP program continued to experience growth in its ablation therapy program in fiscal year 2018 . Electrophysiologists on the medical staff received patient referrals from throughout the region for precise diagnosis and treatment using ablation therapy . The use of advanced mapping systems for signal analysis coupled with the electrophysiologists ’ experience results in correctly identifying the abnormal rhythm circuit and eliminating it both safely and effectively .
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Fort Worth also realized strong volumes for implantable cardioverter defibrillators ( ICDs ) and cardiac resynchronization therapy ( CRT ). MRI compatible ICDs are now routinely used , allowing patients and their physicians to use this modality for diagnostic imaging even after ICD implantation . The hospital also has CRT devices that can provide Multi Point Pacing , a “ next generation ” form of CRT that pace the ventricles from three sites instead of two . This form of pacing has been shown to increase the clinical response rate of heart failure patients in early clinical trials . A completely leadless pacemaker is implanted using femoral access and is entirely contained within the heart itself .