Heart Rhythm Center

The Heart Rhythm Center diagnoses and treats all types of heart rhythm disorders.The heart is a complex organ that is regulated by slight electrical impulses generated by the body. An abnormal heart rhythm is a change in the speed or the regular pattern of how your heart beats. Cardiac electrophysiology deals with the electrical system of the heart and abnormal heart rhythms. If you heart beats irregularly or too rapidly or even too slowly, it can cause significant problems. Electrophysiology offers effective treatments and therapies for heart arrhythmias.

Rush-Copley Heart Institute's integrated team of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals will provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment of heart arrhythmias. Such treatments include electrophysiology diagnostic studies, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation, and implantation and monitoring of pacemakers and defibrillators.

Electrophysiology Diagnostic Studies

An electrophysiology diagnostic study (EPS) is a procedure used to observe and analyze electrical activity within the heart. A thin, flexible catheter tube with an electrode on the end is threaded through an artery into the heart, where it both records electrical activity and emits electrical impulses to test the heart’s response. The test helps doctors identify rhythm problems and pinpoint areas of the heart responsible for abnormal heart rates.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

This breakthrough, non-surgical procedure is similar to the electrophysiology study, except that it identifies and then destroys the malfunctioning electrical pathway in the heart. In RF ablation, the electrode on the catheter emits a mid radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) to destroy a small are of heart tissue in the abnormal pathway, preventing any further transmission of the impulses causing the arrhythmia. This treatment is the only permanent cure available for patients with certain types of tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat), with a success rate of up to 98%. It also shows increasing promise as a cure for atrial fibrillation (chaotic, quivering heartbeat) and ventricular tachycardia.

Pacemaker Implantation and Monitoring

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered electronic device that is implanted in the patient’s chest to keep the heart beating at the proper rate. Pacemakers are used when a defect, blockage, or age-induced slowing of electrical impulses causes the heart to heat too slowly or to fail to speed up during activity, depriving the body of the blood flow it needs. Recently, special pacemakers have been developed that improve heart function in patients with congestive heart failure. Patients with pacemakers must be monitored several times a year using a computerized programmer device that can communicate with the pacemaker and adjust its settings as necessary.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

An ICD is a device, similar to a pacemaker, that is implanted in the chest to monitor and treat episodes of abnormally fast heartbeats (tachycardia) or chaotic, quivering heartbeats (fibrillation). The ICD is programmed to detect the abnormal heartbeats and deliver electrical impulses or a shock to terminate the dangerous rhythm. Like those with pacemakers, patients with ICDs, must be monitored several times a year with a programmer.

3D Mapping Technology

One of the exclusive features of EP services at Rush-Copley and the fox valley area is 3D mapping. This technology enables the Electrophysiologist to obtain more information about your heart rhythm/arrhythmia so that he/she can make the best possible decision regarding your diagnosis and treatment. Using this system, the physician views a three-dimensional picture of your heart on a computer screen. Color-coded areas in the picture provide information about the electrical activity of your heart. It is very important to discuss all the risks and benefits of an EP diagnostic or ablation procedure with your Electrophysiologist or physician before deciding to have this or any other procedure.

Benefits of the Heart Rhythm Center at Rush-Copley Heart Institute:

  • Dedicated staff in electrophysiology
  • Advanced technology including 3-D mapping for safer and more precise procedures
  • Paceart system
  • Multiple locations for easy access
  • Online access to patient information and device checks

For more information or to schedule your appointment, please call 866-4COPLEY (1-866-426-7539).