Why Choose the Electrophysiology (EP) and Heart Rhythm Program
The Electrophysiology (EP) and Heart Rhythm Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) sees more patients (clinical volumes) than almost any other in the country. We are one of very few programs with a dedicated inpatient cardiac electrophysiology service. In addition, we evaluate approximately 3,000 patients in our outpatient clinics each year.
Everyone we treat – from the tiniest baby to the adult with congenital heart disease – receives personalized, family-centered care. Our state-of-the-art technology, advanced diagnostic skills and innovative treatment options make us the best electrophysiology and heart rhythm program to care for your child.
Personalized, family-centered care
Our specialists individualize care to each patient’s unique needs. We work with your family – and with your child’s other cardiology specialists – to find a treatment option that will give your child the best outcome and highest quality of life.
We know that multiple specialists can mean multiple hospital visits, which can be hard for parents and caregivers. We’ll do our best to schedule same day appointments and hopefully save you the extra trip.
State-of-the-art diagnostic technology
We use the latest technology to determine the cause of your child’s heart rhythm problems. In addition to standard electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG), we offer the following:
- Signal average ECG
- Ambulatory Holter monitoring with wireless technology
- Looping and non-looping event monitors with wireless technology
- Electrode options for patients with hypersensitive skin
- Novel patch adhesive ambulatory rhythm monitors for select patients who are intolerant of wires and cables
- Implantable loop monitor
- Treadmill and stationary bicycle exercise stress testing
- Diagnostic electrophysiologic studies
Many of the tests used to diagnose heart arrhythmias can be challenging for young children. Your child might be asked to stay very still, or try something unfamiliar, like running on a treadmill. Rest assured that each of our team members – from the nurses to the techs – has been specially trained to work with children. We’ll work with your child to get the information we need — the first time — to make a diagnosis.
Innovative treatment and care
Catheter ablation
We have been performing ablation procedures for over 20 years with an excellent success rate, even for children with complex heart conditions. While most electrophysiology laboratories have a single 3D mapping system, we are one of few in the world with several. This advanced technology allows us to map the electrical activity of your child’s heart and eliminate the arrhythmia with less fluoroscopy (continuous X-ray) exposure.
We'll select the mapping system that’s best for your child’s condition. Our state-of-the-art mapping and ablation technologies include:
- CARTO®3, 3D Mapping system with latest modules
- Ensite Precision® Cardiac Mapping System
- Rhythmia HDx® High-density Cardiac Mapping System
- Low dose bi-plane fluoroscopy
- Intracardiac echocardiography
- Cryoablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Advanced ablation catheters with irrigation and contact force technology
- Multipolar high-resolution diagnostic catheters
Pacemaker and ICD
We offer the latest device technology to our patients. Our team is often the first in the country to offer new devices and perform new procedures. New devices have included the sub-cutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) and the trans catheter pacemaker (leadless pacemaker). We were also the first to perform complex laser lead extractions in children. This procedure is performed by a pediatric electrophysiologist with pediatric cardiothoracic surgical backup at all times to ensure patient safety.
Our device technology includes:
- Transvenous pacemakers
- Epicardial pacemakers
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators
- Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD)
- Trans-catheter pacing (leadless pacemaker)
- Laser lead extraction
- Device clinics for pacemaker and ICD evaluation and follow-up
- Pacemaker and ICD remote monitoring
Inherited Cardiac Channelopathy Program
Inherited or genetic cardiac channelopathies are a group of syndromes that can affect the cardiovascular electrical system and potentially cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Some examples are Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. In addition to diagnosing, treating and managing these conditions, we can coordinate genetic testing and counseling as well as lifestyle recommendations as needed.
New anti-arrhythmic medications
People with arrhythmias have different responses to the various medications used to prevent and treat arrhythmias (anti-arrhythmic medication). We will work hard to find the right medication for your child. We also continue to research new medications that may be safe and effective for our pediatric patients.
A commitment to excellence
We are committed to continuously measuring and improving the quality of our care. In addition to hospital-wide quality improvement programs, we participate in the following National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) of the American College of Cardiology: