Electrophysiology is a specialized area of cardiology that focuses on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm abnormalities. These abnormalities, often referred to as arrhythmias, can cause a variety of symptoms, including palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and may increase the risk of heart failure and stroke.
The electrophysiology program at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos offers a comprehensive approach to heart health, including:
- Implantable Devices: Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are used to regulate heart rhythm in patients with slow or rapid heart rates.
- Ablation Procedures: These minimally invasive procedures involve using radiofrequency energy to destroy abnormal heart tissue that cause arrhythmias.
- Medical Management: Lifestyle modifications, medication and other non-invasive treatments may be recommended for certain patients.
- Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: The program utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and monitor heart rhythm disorders, including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms.
“It’s really impressive that we can do what we do in San Marcos,” Director Cardiac Operations Dustin Meyer said. “Patients don't have to go to Austin or San Antonio now, because we can treat them right there in their backyard.”
The electrophysiology program, led by Dr. Gil Birnbaum, uses advanced technology to provide high quality complex cardiac care to patients.
“The technology we use in electrophysiology is quite incredible and very advanced,” Meyer said. “For our ablations, we use a system that creates a 3D electrical map of the heart. We can identify where these circuits are formed and identify the best place to interrupt that circuit.”
Dr. Birnbaum and his team are committed to providing personalized care to each patient. They take the time to understand each patient's unique needs and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific condition.
“Dr. Birnbaum has incredible judgment and a patient-centric bedside manner too,” Meyer said. “It's really personalized for each patient. He ensures the patient has all the information they need and that all their questions are answered so they can make an informed decision and make the decision that’s best for them. I really appreciate how much he listens to the patients and how much time he gives them.”
By offering advanced treatments and a patient-centered approach, the electrophysiology program at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos is improving the lives of countless patients in the community.
To find quality, personalized care for heart rhythm abnormalities, find a physician at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos. For more information about the electrophysiology program, visit this website.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.