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John Muir Cardiac Rhythm Center
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John Muir Health Cardiac Rhythm Center, located at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus, has been carefully developed to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias.
John Muir Cardiac Rhythm Center
John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus
1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 947-3332
Map
Treating Disorders of the Heart's Electrical System
Normally, electricity flows throughout the heart in a regular, measured pattern. These electrical impulses are the basis for heart muscle contractions. Problems may develop anywhere along the electrical pathways, disrupting the regular beating of the heart and causing an abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. Left untreated, arrhythmias can lead to serious consequences such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
Determining the most appropriate and effective treatment for the various forms of cardiac arrhythmia is based upon a comprehensive medical examination and use of special tests that help cardiac electrophysiologists (cardiologists with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias) properly identify the rhythm problem. Treatment options vary according to the specific arrhythmia, and the cardiac electrophysiologist is able to match the best treatment to the individual needs of the patient.
John Muir Cardiac Rhythm Center Features
- A computerized monitoring system that provides exceptional intracardiac electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings during electrophysiology studies and ablations. The system's advanced analysis tools help streamline procedures and improve analysis and case documentation, reducing procedure times and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
- Two separate computer-assisted 3-D mapping systems which are used to rapidly locate and guide treatment of the most complex arrhythmias. Each system has unique capabilities that allow the electrophysiologists to select the best technology to diagnose and treat arrhythmias with greater accuracy and precision.
- Intracardiac Echocardiography that uses harmless ultrasound technology to visualize the anatomy and physiology of the heart and measure blood flow from within the heart chambers. Images are transmitted via a steerable,ultrasound tipped catheter that is easily positioned within the heart during certain procedures, such as ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation.
Full Range of Treatment Options for Arrhythmias
Several treatment options for arrhythmias are available:
- Radiofrequency (heat) Ablation is commonly used. It is a non-surgical procedure using small catheters in the heart to cauterize minute portions of the heart tissue that may be causing the arrhythmia.
- Cooled-tip Radiofrequency Ablation allows the use of higher power to produce larger and deeper lesions when needed for the elimination of certain arrhythmias. Cryoablation or freezing technology is a new ablation option that delivers extreme cold, rather than heat, to treat abnormal tissue. Cryoablation can further enhance the safety of ablation of some higher risk arrhythmias.
Surgical Treatment of Arrhythmias
Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, including minimally invasive surgical approaches, are also available. These surgical treatments are performed on our Concord Campus.
A Team of Experts
The John Muir Cardiac Rhythm Center brings together a group of leading cardiac electrophysiologists and selected cardiovascular surgeons.
The electrophysiologists lead a team of specially trained health care professionals including a clinical nurse specialist, cardiac anesthesiologists, registered nurses and technicians with special training in electrophysiology procedures.
Quality Care, Technological Advancements
As part of our comprehensive Cardiovascular Services program, the John Muir Cardiac Rhythm Center further demonstrates John Muir Health's commitment to providing quality care, the latest in technological advancements and comfort to our patients.
For more information about the John Muir Cardiac Rhythm Center, call (925) 947-3332.
Download:
From John Muir Health
Atrial fibrillation:
- Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Procedure Information (1.1MB)
- Preparing for Your Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedure (103k)
- Discharge Instructions: Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedures (99k)
From the Heart Rhythm Foundation
Atrial fibrillation:
- What Is Atrial Fibrillation? (1.2MB)
- Treating Atrial Fibrillation (1MB)
- Treating Atrial Fibrillation With Catheter Ablation (964k)
- International Normalized Ratio (INR) (444k)