Heart rhythm care

Assessment and treatment of heart rhythm conditions

Electrophysiology Studies

A diagnostic test assessing the heart’s electrical system. Catheters are used to locate the source of the arrhythmia, and treatment decisions, like catheter ablation, are made based on the results.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. The test takes only a few minutes. The ECG is formally reviewed and reported by a cardiologist.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Including atrial fibrillation

This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It works by using heat energy to target and destroy the tiny areas of heart tissue that are causing irregular electrical signals, helping restore a normal, steady heartbeat.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You’ll be given sedation while fine tubes are guided to your heart to locate and treat the source of the abnormal rhythm using heat energy. After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a few hours, and most people return home the same day or the following morning.

Electrical Cardioversion

Electrical cardioversion also called direct current cardioversion (DCC), is a short procedure that uses a defibrillator to provide an electrical shock to the heart. It is performed under sedation or anaesthetic by an anaesthetist.

The defibrillator sends an electrical impulse through your chest wall, via pads or electrodes which are placed on your chest. This impulse disrupts the abnormal rhythm for a split second, allowing your heart to resume a normal rhythm.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The procedure takes a few minutes and because of the sedation, you shouldn't feel any discomfort. Most people can go home from the hospital on the

Pacemaker Implantation

Normally the heart is signalled to contract by an electrical impulse that starts in the sinus node in the right atrium (top chamber of the heart). If this system is disrupted and causes a slow heart rate, a pacemaker may be needed to regulate the heartbeat.

A permanent pacemaker is a small device, 3-4 cm across, implanted under the skin just below the collarbone. It includes a computer, a battery, and leads that carry electrical impulses to the heart.

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Defibrillator Implantation

A defibrillator implantation is a procedure to place a small device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) under the skin, usually near the chest. The device continuously monitors your heart rhythm and can deliver a controlled electrical pulse or shock if a dangerous rhythm is detected, helping to restore a normal heartbeat and protect against serious cardiac events.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This procedure involves placing a small device under the skin near your chest to monitor your heart rhythm and deliver treatment if needed. It’s performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, and most people stay overnight before returning home with follow-up support in place.