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Electrophysiology Laboratory

The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute's new Electrophysiology Laboratories will be furnished with high-tech integrated equipment to enhance the care plan for children and will significantly increase access to both adult and pediatric procedures

Electrophysiology LabThe Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute's new Electrophysiology (EP) Laboratory will bring the total number of labs in the region to two. Currently there is one laboratory located at the University of Alberta Hospital, which will also move to the heart institute later this year.

Capital Health's Electrophysiology (EP) Laboratories provide diagnostic services and interventional care to adult and pediatric patients through the latest in diagnostic imaging equipment. An in-depth analysis of the electrical activity of the heart is performed using sophisticated computers to generate tracings and electrical measurements that pinpoint the location of arrhythmias. The laboratory also uses a 3-D mapping system, also know as CARTO, to isolate and identify the pathway of complex arrhythmias.

Once the arrhythmia has been identified, the laboratory's electrophysiologist (a cardiologist with advanced training in the electrical activities of the heart) may treat the heart through cardiac ablation and/or by implanting a pacemaker or other biventricular devices.

Referral Information
Adult and pediatric patients are referred to the Electrophysiology Laboratory through a cardiologist.

Contact Information
Once the referral is received, laboratory staff contacts the patient with an appointment time, as well as pre- and post-procedural instructions.

If the patient needs to reschedule, he/she contacts the laboratory directly at (780) 407-6492.

Important Patient Note:
Patients receiving electrophysiology services should expect to stay at the acute care centre for the day.

Location
The patient registration desk for the Electrophysiology Laboratory is located on the second floor within the Cardiology Clinic at 2C2 on the south-west side of the Walter C. Mackenzie Centre, near the waterfall and teahouse. Please see the Level 2 map, for more information.

Electrophysiology Laboratory
2C2.14, Walter C. Mackenzie Centre
8440 - 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2B7

Parking
Public parking is available at metered, underground, surface, and parkade lots on site. For information on hourly, weekly, and monthly parking, as well as locations, please see the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute information sheet.

About atrial fibrilation
The heart beats because certain cells in your heart make electrical signals that cause the heart to contract and pump blood. This electrical signal shows up on a electrocardiogram, or ECG machine.

In atrial fibrillation, part of the heart doesn't beat the way it should. Instead of beating in a regular, normal pattern, part of the heart beats irregularly and too fast. It's important for the heart to pump properly because that is how the your body gets the oxygen and food it needs to function in a healthy way.

About cardiac ablation
Cardiac ablation is a procedure that destroys (ablates) cells that cause abnormal electrical pathways to fix arrhythmia. This procedure is conducted through a catheter in the vein. The tip of the catheter is used as a heater to destroy the part of the heart that causes the abnormal rhythm.

About implantable defibrillators
Cardiac defibrillation is a way to return an abnormally fast or disorganized heartbeat to normal with an electric shock. An implantable cardiac defibrillator continuously monitors your heart rate and rhythm. When it detects an abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers energy to the heart muscle. This causes the heart to beat in a normal rhythm again.

About pacemakers
When the heart's natural pacemaker fails, an artificial pacemaker can be implanted. A pacemaker is a small device that helps your heart beat in a regular rhythm. Some are permanent (internal) and some are temporary (external).

Pacemakers use batteries to produce paced electrical signals that result in regular contractions of the heart to restore normal blood flow. Small electrical charges travel through the wires of an electrode that is positioned next to the heart wall.

Most pacemakers have a sensing device that turns itself off when your heart is above a certain level. It turns back on when your heartbeat is too slow. These are called demand pacemakers.

Where can I find more information?
Capital Health and other organizations support online resources on arrhythmia, diagnostic testing, as well as heart health. These resources should be used as a general guideline only. Individual assessment, interpretations, and advice by your cardiologist should always be your most important resource.

For more information, please see:

 

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