Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS, director of cardiac electrophysiology laboratories at the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, explains lessons from the AHA statement on COVID caused arrhythmias.

Key details associated with the treatment of COVID-induced arrhythmias

Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, lead author of a recent American Heart Association scientific statement on cardiac arrhythmias associated with COVID-19, reviewed the latest science associated with this important topic.

cardiologist viewing heart data

Aortic valve calcium scores help predict need for a permanent pacemaker after TAVR

RBBB remains the single strongest predictor for PPMI after TAVR, but high AV calcium scores still provide care teams with considerable value.

Medtronic's PulseSelect Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) System

Medtronic heart rhythm technologies on full display at AF Symposium 2025

Cardiologists shared updated data on Medtronic's ICM and PFA offerings during AF Symposium 2025 in Boston. 

The Medtronic SelectSecure MRI SureScan Model 3830 cardiac lead already gained FDA approval for His-Bundle pacing back in 2018. Now, the lead is also approved for left bundle branch area pacing, providing users with another option when treating patients for bradycardia. According to Medtronic, this marks the first time the FDA has approved a device for this indication.

New research highlights rising interest in LBBAP

The first patient has been enrolled in a new study of an optimized lead for LBBAP, an area with an explosion of interest in EP as a way to improve patient outcomes.

the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA announces recall after Philips heart monitor software failed to send alerts—multiple deaths reported

Philips is recalling the software associated with its Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry devices after certain high-risk ECG events were never routed to trained cardiology technicians as intended. The issue, which lasted for two years, has been linked to more than 100 injuries. 

HRS President Ken Ellenbogen, MD, FHRS, explains the need for the Heart Rhythm Advocates lobby group in Washington, D.C. to push for policies in Congress over reimbursements.

Why electrophysiologists needed a champion in Washington

Heart Rhythm Society President Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, detailed a new advocacy group focused on improving EP reimbursements, patient care and access. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu," he said.

Dual Energy ThermoCool SmartTouch SF Catheter

Johnson & Johnson gains CE mark approval for catheter capable of radiofrequency, PFA ablation

A new catheter from Johnson & Johnson MedTech is now approved to treat cardiac arrhythmias in Europe. Could FDA approval be on the horizon? 

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Johnson & Johnson pauses use of FDA-approved PFA system to investigate patient complications

Johnson & Johnson MedTech's Varipulse PFA system has been linked to multiple reports of "neurovascular events" in patients. The company hopes to share more information in the days ahead. 

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.