Heart Rhythm Disorders and Electrophysiology

An arrhythmia is when the heart beats too slowly, too fast or in an irregular way.

Olathe Health is a regional leader in the care of arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders). From new advancements in diagnosis, like the EP Navigator heart-mapping technology, to the latest ablation treatments and devices, we have the expertise to care for patients with many types of arrhythmias.

Learn more about our new non-invasive procedure called Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure below under Treating Atrial Fibrillation.

Our Specialists

Our team of multi-disciplined heart specialists collaborate to care for the unique needs of each patient. The team includes Cardiologists, Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Vascular Surgeons, Interventional Cardiologists, specialists in congenital heart defects, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, valve disorders, Physician Assistants and Certified Nurse Practitioners. All of our surgeons are board certified and most are fellowship trained, meaning these doctors have additional training in state-of-the-art techniques in their subspecialties.

Heart Rhythm Disorders and Treatments

  • Atrial fibrillation is a fast and abnormal pattern of contractions in the upper part of the heart. Atrial fibrillation may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms that do occur may range from mild to severe depending on the impact of blood flow through the heart and your overall health.

  • For some patients with atrial fibrillation, restoring the heart’s natural rhythm is the goal of treatment. For others, just controlling the heart rate is a safer and more effective goal. For most patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing blood clots that could lead to a stroke is extremely important.

    Atrial fibrillation patients have alternative to blood thinners with this new procedure.

    If you have atrial fibrillation (a-fib), not caused by a heart valve problem, and you’re looking for an alternative to blood thinners, you might be a candidate for Olathe Health’s minimally invasive procedure called left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. It is an effective way to reduce the risk of stroke for people with a-fib.

    Patients with a-fib are at increased risk of stroke, mainly due to blood clots that can form in a small chamber in the top of the heart known as the LAA. When a blood clot escapes from the LAA and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.

    During the procedure, an Olathe Health electrophysiologist places a small implant in the LAA to close off this part of the heart and keep blood clots from escaping.

    To see if this procedure is right for you, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an electrophysiologist, or call 913-780-4900.

  • Ventricular tachycardia is an abnormally fast heart rate. The abnormal heart rate originates in one of the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). It is diagnosed when there are three or more beats in succession originating from a ventricle.

  • Ventricular tachycardia often happens in emergency situations. In an
    emergency situation, CPR or a defibrillator may be required. Other
    treatments may include surgery, such as Radiofrequency Ablation — the
    use of electrical energy to heat and destroy an area of tissue.

  • When the leads (connectors) of a pacemaker or defibrillator stop working properly or become infected they may need to be removed. Because the leads are embedded within the delicate tissues of the heart and blood vessels, the specialists at Olathe Health use a precise laser to carefully remove the leads during a minimally-invasive procedure.
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Cardiovascular Care (Heart) Services

The Cardiovascular Care specialists at Olathe Health deliver individualized care, the latest medical and surgical advancements and, of course, all the TLC that every heart deserves. Our highly skilled specialists offer many services.

When it comes to matters of the heart, you deserve a care team focused on you.

Learn More

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Our Hybrid Electrophysiology (EP) Laboratory

In 2016, OMC completed a $7 million expansion of the Cardiovascular Center, including a state-of-the-art hybrid electrophysiology (heart rhythm) lab.

The new lab is designed to enhance patient safety and procedure precision. Sophisticated technology allows physicians and cardiothoracic surgeons to work together in the same room on highly complex heart rhythm disorders. The lab also features technology that exposes patients to less radiation, making the procedures more cost-effective.

Electrophysiology (EP) Navigator
Olathe Health was the first in the region to introduce the EP Navigator, technology that provides live, detailed 3D image guidance to support complex heart valve procedures.

Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to restore a patient’s normal heart rhythm by freezing and disabling the heart cells that are causing an irregular heartbeat. Compared to the traditional heat ablation treatment, cryoablation can involve less chest pain and fewer complications after the procedure, less radiation exposure, shorter length of procedure and faster recovery time. In addition, using cold, rather than heat, minimizes the risk of damaging healthy heart tissue and other structures surrounding the heart.