Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
The atrial fibrillation program treats patients with both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation utilizing state-of-the-art techniques for pulmonary vein isolation, linear ablation and minimally invasive epicardial ablation. Our center also specializes in treating patients who have this and other atrial arrhythmias associated with co-existing cardiac conditions such as heart failure, previous heart surgery or congenital heart disease that may require a more comprehensive approach to the ablation procedure. We receive many outside referrals for patients requiring repeat procedures
Percutaneous Epicardial Ablation Program
This approach to the ablation procedure utilizes a catheter that is threaded through a small needle puncture through the chest wall. This allows access to the outside of the heart muscle where in some cases irregular heart rhythms occur. When needed, this new approach is routinely being utilized during ablation procedures in conjunction with the traditional approach for supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias. UCLA is the first center in the western U.S. to have such a program.
Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Our center routinely sees patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia associated with heart disease, and performs complex ablation procedures for these patients. To ensure as safe a procedure as possible, we utilize help from other cardiovascular specialists such as anesthesiologists specifically trained to treat cardiac patients, heart failure specialists and cardiothoracic surgeons as needed.
We also treat patients with ventricular tachycardia who have normal heart structure and function. The ablation procedure in this population is done with both traditional (endocardial) and new (epicardial) approaches. A comprehensive team approach is also utilized during each case.
Intra-Operative Ablations
The UCLA cardiothoracic surgical team and Cardiac Arrhythmia Center electrophysiologists work closely to develop innovative approaches to arrhythmia management with procedures such as the minimally invasive MAZE.
Cardiac Device Implantation
When indicated for the heart failure patient, cardiac resynchronization therapy utilizing implantation of a bi-ventricular pacemaker/defibrillator can be performed. We specialize in difficult or failed implants and offer left ventricular epicardial and endocardial leads for failed bi-ventricular implants.
Laser Lead Extractions
A dedicated program for lead extractions using laser technology in collaboration with the Cardiac Surgery Service has been established.
Arrhythmia Management in Congenital Heart Disease
We perform ablations of complex tachycardias in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). A specialized collaborative program with the physicians from the ACHD service is in on-going development that provides comprehensive arrhythmia management for the ACHD patient.
