Electrophysiology

Get your heart rhythm back to normal with help from an electrophysiologist at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute and its network of clinics. This type of cardiologist (heart doctor) focuses on the electrical signals that cause arrhythmia — irregular heartbeats. Whether you need monitoring, medication or a procedure, count on us for expert care.

Where can I see an electrophysiologist?

Your primary care doctor can refer you to an OSF Cardiovascular Institute specialist in electrophysiology near you in:

Bloomington, Illinois
Escanaba, Michigan
Galesburg, Illinois
Ottawa, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Urbana, Illinois

Heart Arrhythmia Tests and Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter monitor or event monitor. Each type of technology places sensors on your chest to track your heart rate over different periods of time — from a few minutes to several weeks. It’s simple, painless and noninvasive. That means you get insight into your heart health as easily as possible.

Electrophysiology (EP) Study

Your care team may need more information than a noninvasive test can provide. In that case, your doctor may order an EP study. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a thin tube with an electrode into a blood vessel and moves it up to your heart to map its electrical signals. It shows the reason for irregular heartbeats. Your doctor can use the information to guide ablation — treatment to stop arrhythmias.

Arrhythmia Treatment

If you need a procedure to restore a healthy heartbeat, it may take place in a special area of the hospital called an electrophysiology (EP) lab. Most procedures are less invasive than surgery, which means they’re safer and reduce your recovery time.

Ablation

Cardiac ablation uses heat, cold or a laser to block a tiny area of tissue that sends faulty electrical signals to your heart, making it beat too fast. You may benefit from this treatment if you have atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)

Cardiac resynchronization therapy refers to a pacemaker that helps both sides of your heartbeat at the same time. A surgeon places the device under your skin and uses wires to connect it to your heart’s left and right lower chambers. You may experience fewer symptoms of heart failure and improve your ability to exercise.

Electrical Cardioversion

Cardioversion uses an electric shock to reset a fast, irregular heartbeat while you’re under sedation (asleep). Health professionals place sticky electrode patches on your skin and send electricity through them to your heart. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you’ll go home the same day.

Maze Procedure for AFib

Maze surgery treats atrial fibrillation by making tiny scars in your heart tissue. The scars block faulty electrical signals that make your heartbeat too fast. Afterward, your heart rhythm returns to normal.

Your doctor may recommend Maze surgery if cardiac ablation—a less invasive alternative—isn’t a good option for you.

Pacemakers and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs)

Pacemakers and ICDs are tiny devices placed in your chest to keep your heart beating at a steady, healthy pace. An ICD can also deliver a high-energy shock to stop a life-threatening arrhythmia or restart your heart. If you need a pacemaker, ask your doctor about wireless Micra pacemakers, which leave no bump or scar on your chest.

Watchman Device for AFib

The Watchman implant reduces your risk of stroke if you have atrial fibrillation. This tiny device blocks blood clots from leaving your heart and traveling to your brain, where they could cause a stroke. Afterward, you may rely less on blood-thinners (anticoagulants).

Ask for a Referral

Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a cardiac electrophysiologist at OSF Cardiovascular Institute and its network of clinics. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.

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