EP Lab Digest - December 2007 - (Page 16)

16 SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT Continued from page 14 INTERVIEW DECEMBER 2007 patients are seen by the electrophysiologist in a separate Arrhythmia Clinic. We use an electronic medical record system and are planning to incorporate device clinic records as well. What trends do you see emerging in the practice of electrophysiology? How is your lab preparing for these future changes? We see greater integration of technologies in the EP lab as being an important means of improving workflow in the EP lab. In addition, the ability to network with other labs will also improve patient care and research collaboration. What are your thoughts about non-EPs implanting ICDs? Do you train such individuals? We endorse the guidelines published by the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. At our institution, ICD and CRT devices are implanted by CCEPs. Angela Corathers, CRT, Karthik Ramaswamy, MD, Rick Smith, RT (R), and Joon Ahn, MD review electrograms in the control room during a magnetic case. Is your lab doing webbased/transtelephonic device follow-up? The Device Clinic performs remote monitoring of devices. Transtelephonic checks are not performed. of competence for all electrophysiologists. Is your EP lab currently involved in any clinical research studies or special projects? Which ones? Our EP lab participated in Stereotaxis’ HEART trial, a prospective, randomized evaluation of magnetic navigation versus manual catheter manipulation for catheter ablation of SVT. In addition, we look forward to participating in an international, prospective evaluation of an MRI-compatible pacemaker (Medtronic EnRhythm). Drs. Ramaswamy and Ahn will be presenting their experience using Stereotaxis Magnetic Navigation in patients with SVT at the December 2007 World Congress of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Does your lab provide any educational or support programs for patients who may have additional questions or those who may be interested in support groups? The medical center has a cardiac support group (“Mended Hearts”) that is active in providing support for patients with ICDs. Describe your city or general regional area. How does it differ from the rest of the U.S.? Gainesville is located approximately 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta on Lake Lanier. Joon Ahn, MD, Rick Smith, RT (R), EP Lab Coordinator, and Karthik Ramaswamy, MD with Stereotaxis’ Magnetic Navigation System in tilt mode. Are you ACGME-approved for EP training? What do you think about two-year EP programs? Dr. Ahn and Dr. Ramaswamy completed two-year fellowships. We support the published guidelines for maintenance Please tell our readers what you consider unique or innovative about your EP lab and staff. Despite being a young program, the EP lab at Northeast Georgia Medical Center has distinguished itself as a leader in catheter ablation with magnetic navigation. The strength of our program is our team approach in striving for clinical excellence. The Northeast Georgia Medical Center was recently ranked the #1 hospital in Georgia for cardiac care for the third consecutive year by the Health-Grades Hospital Quality Study. For more information, please visit: www.nghs.com http://www.nghs.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EP Lab Digest - December 2007

EP Lab Digest - December 2007 Improved Anatomical Orientation During AF Catheter Ablation: Experience from Leipzig Heart Center One EP Lab’s Solution to the Administration of Deep Sedation Contents Letter from the Editor Spotlight Interview: Northeast Georgia Medical Center Emerging Technologies for the Electrophysiology Lab The Western Atrial Fibrillation Symposium About the PRECEDE-HF Trial: Interview with William T. Abraham, MD, FACP, FACC, FAHA Overview on Shire and the Discontinuation of Ethmozine®: After the Heart Rhythm Society Intervenes, the Company Changes its Decision Minimizing the Risk of Infection at Children’s Sibley Heart Center: Interview with Nicole Jarrell, RNC, MSN, and J. Renee Watson, RN, CIC Is There a Link Between Gasoline Vapors and Brugada Syndrome? Interview with Darko Kranjcec, MD and Hugues Abriel, MD, PhD New Feature! Pacemaker/ICD Puzzle Email Discussion Group Events Calendar Industry News and Products

EP Lab Digest - December 2007

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