Electrophysiology (EP) Lab
Our electrophysiology (EP) lab is located at Mercy General Hospital and serves a large geographic area through our referral program. It is one of the largest EP programs in the nation, completing approximately 1,500 procedures per year.
The EP Lab is equipped with the latest technology available for accurate diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities. Electrophysiologists, who are board certified in cardiology and electrophysiology, and have particular expertise in arrhythmias, lead a team of registered nurses and technicians who have received training in this unique field of cardiology.
The EP study is designed to explore the electrical portion of the heart using catheters and specialized mapping equipment. A rhythm problem may be due to slow heart rates called bradycardias, or rapid heart rates called tachycardias. The EP team assists the electrophysiologist as the electrical system abnormalities are diagnosed and treated. Some treatments, such as radio-frequency ablations, can be performed during the same outpatient procedure. During the ablation, the abnormal portion of the electrical system is eliminated using special catheters, resulting in a healthier heart rhythm and frequently eliminating the patient's need for medications.
Pacer Lab
Some rhythm abnormalities may require the surgical placement of a Pacemaker or an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) to correct electrical irregularities of the heart or protect the patient from life-threatening rhythm disturbances. These procedures are performed in the EP Pacer Lab and require a limited hospital stay. Pacemakers of all varieties are implanted using special sedation that eliminates the need for general anesthesia. ICDs - special devices that provide electrical treatments to stop a life threatening arrhythmia - are also implanted in the EP Pacer Lab.
During all EP procedures, the nurse and technicians monitor the patient's condition, and provide sedation and support.
Participation in research is also an important part of providing state-of-the-art care, and our EP Lab is proud to participate in a variety of research studies involving medications, catheters and implantable devices.
How do I contact Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute? Call us toll-free at 1-877-9HEART9.
