Electrophysiology Services

The most advanced cardiac rhythm management technology in New Mexico. The Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center uses leading edge electrophysiology studies to pinpoint the cause of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). Our specialists then use the diagnostic information to make choices about the best course of treatment for each patient.

Common Types of Arrhythmia

  • Bradycardia
  • Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
  • Heart block
  • Palpitations
  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Causes and Cures
What causes arrhythmia? Problems with any part of the heart's electrical system can cause irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

Atril fibrillation (A-fib) happens when the left atril appendage that controls blood flow to and from the heart no longer contracts rhythmically. When this happens, blood pools and clots, which can lead to strokes. Until recently, the most common method of treating A-fib was the use of blood thinners. Many patients had problems tolerating this medication, but the cardiac team at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico now offers options.

The LARIAT procedure uses a lasso-shaped tool to loop around the atril appendage, resolving the irregular heartbeat without the use of drugs. This minimally invasive procedure has only been performed by a small number of hospitals in the country. The Heart Hospital of New Mexico is the only hospital in the state that offers it.

Stereotaxis Magnetic System Option
The Stereotaxis remote ablation procedure is a robotic surgery used to cure cardiac rhythms safely and effectively. Our surgeons perform the most atrial fibrillation and left atrial ablation procedures in the state, including the successful treatment of some heart rhythm disorders that were previously untreatable. This expertise has led The Heart Hospital of New Mexico to become a referral center for patients whose medical and invasive therapies have not been successful at other centers. The Heart Hospital of New Mexico is a training center for electrophysiologists from around the world.

Implant Expertise
Each year, the surgeons at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico implant hundreds of permanent and temporary pacemakers, defibrillators and other medical devices. Each device is carefully chosen to ensure its specific features are tailored to the patient’s exact needs. Our experienced surgical teams frequently perform one-of-a-kind procedures to ensure the best possible device function and outcome. Lovelace Westside Hospital also performs cardioversions and places temporary and permanent pacemakers.

Cardiac Lead Extraction
Research suggests that as many as 20 percent of patients with defibrillators can expect a lead malfunction within 10 years. We have the experience, technology and surgical support to perform minimally invasive extraction of broken, infected pacing and defibrillator leads.

We remove leads in the safest and simplest way possible using the highest standards and practices of technology in the state.