Electrophysiologists in Manchester, New Hampshire
Throughout your heart arrhythmia journey, we strive to help you live well.
At Catholic Medical Center, we specialize in care that supports your heart's rhythm when it gets out of sync. Together, you and your physician will asses your condition and develop a personalized plan that works towards maximizing comfort and consistency.
Types of arrhythmias we treat
Our team of dedicated physicians can identify, diagnose and treat various types of arrhythmias, including:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Atrial flutter
- Long-standing AFib
- Paroxysmal AFib
- Persistent AFib
- Permanent AFib
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Heart arrhythmia services we offer
Although there can be many causes for arrhythmias, our compassionate doctors offer personalized services tailored to your unique condition.
Diagnostic testing
Our experienced doctors will want to confirm your diagnosis using the latest, advanced examinations, such as:
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Electrophysiological testing and mapping
- Holter monitor
- Implantable loop recorder
- Stress test
Treatment options for AFib
AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync because of faulty electrical contraction impulses. This fast, irregular rhythm can reduce your heart’s ability to effectively pump blood, which can lead to blood clots and other complications.
According to the Heart Rhythm Society, 160,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with AFib every year. The goals of AFib treatment are to eliminate symptoms and reduce the likelihood of any associated issues. Leading-edge treatments we offer include:
- Ablation — This minimally invasive surgery can block problematic electrical signals and eliminate abnormal heart rhythms. Our physicians may freeze your heart tissue with cryoablation or burn your heart tissue with radiofrequency.
- Cardioversion — Using an external defibrillator to deliver a shock to your heart, your physician uses this technique to restore your heart's usual rhythm.
- Convergent — When AFib becomes persistent, and both medications and catheter ablation prove to be less effective, a convergent procedure works to restore rhythm with ablation inside and outside your heart. This minimally invasive procedure is possible through a combination of work in both the cardiovascular operating room and electrophysiology lab.
- Implantable loop monitor — To help diagnose and monitor abnormal heart rhythm, your physician may implant this type of recording device underneath your skin.
- Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) — This minimally invasive procedure seals off your left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from entering your bloodstream. This may reduce your risk of stroke and eliminate your need for blood thinners.
- Lifestyle modifications — Depending on your current level of wellness, changes in diet, exercise and both smoking and alcohol intake can have such positive impacts that other, more serious, forms of intervention may not be necessary.
- Maze procedure — This procedure can used during open-heart surgery to treat CAD or heart valve disease, or used by itself as a minimally invasive treatment for AFib. During a maze procedure, we use specialized instruments to create a maze-like pattern of scar tissue that disrupts abnormal electrical signals.
- Medication — In order to control your arrhythmia and lower your risk for stroke, your physician may prescribe you medications, such as blood thinners.
- Pacemaker — Implanted underneath your skin, this single device can both monitor your heart rhythm and send electrical signals to control it.
A life-changing experience
After being treated for AFib, Gerald Spindel describes the excellent care he received.
Performing the Maze procedure
Our cardiothoracic surgeons are proud to offer the Maze procedure as a treatment for AFib.