NSMC's Heart Center offers the only comprehensive Electrophysiology Program on the North Shore.
A patient with a rhythm disturbance may experience heart palpitations, dizzy spells and blackouts, or may be diagnosed with an arrhythmia. NSMC Heart Center performs
EP (electrophysiology) studies as well as electrophysiology surgery. During surgery a defibrillator is implanted under the collarbone during electrophysiology surgery. The defibrillator resuscitates the heart if the patient undergoes cardiac arrest, which dramatically increases the likelihood of survival.
What to expect during electrophysiology surgery:
A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to your heart. It helps your heart maintain a normal heartbeat. An internal cardiac defibrillator, or ICD, is also small, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to your heart. The difference is that the ICD corrects abnormal heart rhythms, as opposed to maintaining normal rhythms. A cardiologist will perform this surgery.
DIRECTIONS: The surgery will take place in a cardiac special procedure room at
NSMC Salem Hospital (located in Phippen 5).
Step by step:
- You will be instructed to have a light meal the night before and to not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- You will lie flat on a table and your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing will be monitored.
- You will receive local anesthesia and also medication to help you feel relaxed during the procedure
- A small incision will be made beneath your collarbone.
- The pacemaker or ICD will be inserted through the incision.
- Wires will be threaded through a vein under your collarbone to your heart.
- The incision will be closed with stitches and a week after surgery the stitches will be removed.
- The procedure will take about two hours.
- You will stay overnight for observation.
- You will need to designate a driver to bring you home the next morning.
FOLLOW UP: Your cardiologist will follow up with you after the procedure is finished.
