Our procedures aim to restore normal function to the heart’s electrical system and include:
Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, and ablation is a common treatment. Prior to performing ablation for atrial fibrillation, our specialists use an advanced MRI heart mapping technique that allows for a more targeted diagnosis and treatment plan, increasing the effectiveness of the ablation procedure. TGH is the only hospital in the area offering this technique.
In addition, TGH is among the first hospitals in the Tampa Bay region to offer a new high-tech catheter device that can improve outcomes of patients treated for atrial fibrillation. The ThermoCool® SmartTouch® catheter, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, enables our specialists to accurately control the amount of contact force applied to the heart wall during radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures.
WATCHMAN™ Device Implant for Atrial Fibrillation
The WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device as an alternative to blood thinners for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by heart valve problems. Implantation of this device is a one-time procedure that lowers stroke risk in patients with AFib by preventing the clots that cause stroke.
Device and Lead Implantation, Removal and Management
Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED)—also known as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD)—are implanted to treat some heart rhythm disorders and are generally very safe and reliable.
But sometimes, complications can occur, such as electrical malfunction, mechanical breakage, incompatibility with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans) or the development of an infection at the leads.
The integrated team at TGH is capable of treating any CIED malfunction or infection with the latest technology. This includes intravenous lead removal with state-of-the-art excimer laser sheaths and mechanical cutting sheaths. TGH is widely recognized as one of the comprehensive and busiest lead management programs in the Southeastern United States.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) & Conduction System Pacing
Conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the only known heart failure therapy that improves cardiac function, ability to exercise and survival while decreasing cardiac workload and hospitalization rates. But about 30% of patients do not respond to this therapy.
TGH’s heart rhythm specialists have a major interest in these patients. We offer a careful analysis of the existing resynchronization device system including lead position, programmed parameters and electrocardiogram. Simple reprogramming of the device or lead replacement, repositioning or addition of a conduction system lead can markedly improve heart failure symptoms.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Ablation
TGH is a regional tertiary care referral service and the largest heart transplant and mechanical ventricular assist device service in Florida. Our heart failure specialists perform the full spectrum of advanced ablative therapy for life-threatening ventricular tachycardia, including:
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Epicardial ablation from the outer surface of the heart
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Ablation procedures performed under temporary hemodynamic support
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Ablation procedures in patients after heart transplantation and ventricular assist device implantation
Close collaboration between arrhythmia and heart failure specialists, cutting-edge procedural techniques and hemodynamic support back up are essential to achieve successful outcomes in patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias and advanced heart disease.
Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Device (EV-ICD)
The Aurora EV-ICD system is a first-of-its-kind defibrillator with the lead placed under the breastbone, outside of the heart and veins. It delivers lifesaving defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy all in one system via a single implanted device that is similar in size, shape, and projected longevity to traditional, transvenous ICDs.
Since our Electrophysiology Center of Excellence team implanted the first Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) device by Medtronic in the southeastern United States, “The Aurora EV-ICD system allows us to offer patients the benefits of traditional ICDs, while reducing certain risks that come with placing leads in the heart or veins,” said Dr. David Wilson, Electrophysiology Section Chief & Medical Director of the Lead Extraction and management Program at the TGH Electrophysiology Center of Excellence. “We strive to deliver high-quality patient care, and this technology is another step forward in providing our patients with the latest clinical advancements to manage their cardiac condition."
Pulsed Field Ablation
Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), a new form of cardiac catheter ablation, has been shown to treat some forms of atrial fibrillation with good effect. With faster procedure times than conventional techniques, this therapy carries less risk to the heart’s adjacent structures, making a generally safer procedure. The TGH Electrophysiology Center of Excellence laboratory uses The PulseSelect™ pulsed field ablation (PFA) system, which is a cardiac ablation system that enables both mapping and precise lesion delivery using biphasic waveform optimization. This technology uses electrical signals that isolate and ablate specific heart cells in a precise pattern, resulting in a quicker and safer procedure. Recent studies have proven this therapy to be effective and minimize the risks associated with thermal ablations (radiofrequency and cryo), like damaging structures surrounding the heart.