3-Dimensional Imaging and Electrophysiology Mapping
On February 26, St. Lukes Medical Center aired actual footage of a
cryoablation procedure done to correct an irregular heartbeat. This procedure
was performed by Dr. Jasbir Sra, a world-renowned electrophysiology expert who
has revolutionized 3-D mapping for use in pinpointing irregular heartbeats. He
has trained physicians around the world in the use of this groundbreaking
technology.
More on 3-D Mapping
3-D mapping of the heart utilizes computerized technology to help physicians
pinpoint the exact location of an irregular heart rhythm. Working with software
leaders, Dr. Sra pioneered this technique, which allows a physician to see the
hearts left atrium and pulmonary veins in real time, enhancing the ability to
accurately locate irregular signals within the heart for ablation.
During mapping, two catheters are placed inside the left atrium one with
many electrodes on a small balloon and a second, more flexible, catheter used
for the actual ablation. The flexible catheter is moved with fluoroscopic
guidance while the first catheter tracks its movement inside the heart. A series
of coordinates is recorded from which a detailed 3D-geometry model of the left
atrium is created. This geometric map is then registered onto the patients own
anatomical structure map from a CAT scan for enhanced precision. The system
reconstructs over 3000 points that help identify the electrical spots to target
for ablation.
More on Ablation Procedures
Once the source of the irregular heartbeat is determined, physicians are able
to work with a precision not previously available to restore a normal heart
rhythm. This mapping procedure is often done in conjunction with ablation
procedures, in which energy is directed to the spots over the ablation catheter
to eliminate the spot as a source of abnormal electricity. The ablation
catheters positioning to the spot is guided by the locator signals between the
catheters.
In the early 1990s, radiofrequency ablation, the application of heat energy
through a probe to the heart, was used to treat arrhythmias. While effective,
this procedure does carry some risk of burning healthy heart tissue along with
the damaged tissue. In 2001, St. Lukes pioneered a new type of ablation called
microwave ablation used when patients have surgery for coronary artery or
valve disease. This is a safer, more effective use of heat than radiofrequency.
During microwave ablation, only part of the probe is heated, allowing for more
precise placement of the energy. Microwave ablations continue to be limited to
those ablations done during open chest or beating heart surgical procedures.
Microwave instruments are not designed with the flexibility needed to use during
the minimally invasive, electrophysiologic procedure: catheter ablation.
Today, new technology permits cryoablation traditionally used during open
heart surgery to be used through catheters. Cryoablation uses freezing to
eliminate arrhythmias as the energy source for ablation, potentially the safest
energy source. St. Lukes is the only hospital in Wisconsin utilizing
cryoablation as a part of a research study in the less-invasive manner
traveling through a peripheral vein in the leg to treat arrhythmias such as
atrial flutter.
To find a St. Luke's Heart Care physician,
click here or call 1-888-973-2663.
St.
Lukes Heart Care
Once the source of the irregular heartbeat is determined, physicians are able
to work with a precision not previously available to restore a normal heart
rhythm. This mapping procedure is often done in conjunction with ablation
procedures, in which energy is directed to the spots over the ablation catheter
to eliminate the spot as a source of abnormal electricity. The ablation
catheters positioning to the spot is guided by the locator signals between the
catheters.