Heart Rhythm Services At Providence Portland Medical Center Expand To Return Normal Heart Rhythms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 6, 2008 -- Following the installation of a bi-plane imaging system and the addition of the latest electrophysiology technologies, PPMC now has the ability to offer more advanced electrophysiology (EP) procedures on Portland’s east side. Dr. Ashkan Babaie joins Dr. Ronald Petersen of The Oregon Clinic to provide the latest advances in heart rhythm treatment.

PPMC Arrhythmia Services will continue to provide pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator implantation as they have over the last two decades. A new state-of-the-art cardiac electrophysiology lab is offering leading-edge treatment for patients in the cardiac program at Providence Portland Medical Center (PPMC).

The second Providence Health System EP lab in the Portland service area, PPMC’s cardiac electrophysiology lab will facilitate reduced wait times for scheduled procedures such as catheter ablation, attend to our inpatients in a more timely fashion and increase the quality of life for more cardiac patients burdened with abnormal heart rhythms.

As part of the cardiac program’s arrhythmia service, catheter ablation is performed in the electrophysiology lab and involves a minimally invasive procedure requiring only IV sedation. With the assistance of a team of specialized nurses and technologists, the physician makes a small needle puncture near the groin and then threads the catheter – a small flexible and steer-able tube with special sensors – through a large vein to the chambers of the heart. The sensors pick up electrical impulses of the heart and then transmit images of the activity using highly advanced computer technology. This live, 3-D image (mapping) is analyzed by the physician to identify abnormal impulses. The source is then eliminated using radiofrequency energy to scar (ablate) the tissue, effectively stopping the abnormal rhythm.

Recent advances in computer technology and techniques have allowed catheter ablation to be applied to patients with a particularly troublesome and extremely common form of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. It is this procedural application that is generating the most growth in demand for services in the cardiac program. Atrial fibrillation affects more than two million people in the United States. The new PPMC electrophysiology lab will allow significantly enhanced access to this potentially curative procedure.

Atrial fibrillation occurs when irregular electrical activity in the left side of the heart “misfires” causing an erratic and rapid heartbeat. Individuals with the condition may experience a range of symptoms, including weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations – a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat. In addition to causing symptoms and disability, atrial fibrillation puts patients at a significant risk of stroke.

Catheter ablation offers real hope to many atrial fibrillation sufferers. We are delighted to be able to offer this procedure to more of the patients who need it.

abnormal heart rhythms     arrhythmia     atrial fibrillation     heart rhythm services     irregular heart beat