Procedures
Pacemakers
Pacemakers are inserted into the heart to prevent the heart from beating too slowly. We have several different types of pacemakers available, including those that are contained completely within the heart. These new "leadless" devices are revolutionizing pacemaker therapy avoiding the need for a visible scar and leads inserted via a vein. Physicians at Cardiac Arrhythmia Associates (CAA) were pioneers in the research and now approved implantation of these leadless pacemakers.
Implantable Defibrillators
ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators) are able to shock or pace the heart out of dangerous rhythms if they occur. All modern defibrillators are also able to function as pacemakers if needed. The first dual chamber ICD and second triple chamber in the world was inserted by Cardiac Arrhythmia Associates physicians. Our physicians remain leaders in the use of the most complex devices to treat slow or fast rhythms as well as congestive heart failure which can cause symptoms such as shortness-of-breath and fatigue.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
The physicians at CAA routinely perform ablation of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation using both radiofrequency (heat) and cryoballoon (cold) techniques to potentially cure atrial fibrillation.
Other ablations and device management
In the event that pacemaker or defibrillator leads need to be removed from the body, we are able to use the excimer laser system to remove chronic implanted leads. Scripps Hospital is one of a few nationwide centers with the equipment and expertise to do these laser lead extraction procedures.