Programs & Services

In children with congenital heart conditions, an EP study can sometimes predict future arrhythmias to guide care. While the patient is under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, a cardiologist gently threads insulated wires called electrode catheters through blood vessels into the heart. The catheters track electrical signals and impulses with each heartbeat.

Computerized 3D mapping recreates the heart’s anatomy and electrical makeup in real time, providing important details about the heart tissue health and arrhythmia.

EP testing can help evaluate a possible rhythm disorder even if other test results appear normal. Doctors will talk with you about testing and treatment options, based on:

• Age, health and medical history
• Condition
• Tolerance for medications, tests or therapies

After four to six hours in a recovery area, most patients leave the hospital within 24 hours and return to normal activities in three or four days.

Some arrhythmias are manageable with observation or medication therapy and do not require surgery. In some instances, our providers may recommend catheter ablation.

Ablation uses targeted heat or cold energy to create tiny scars on the heart to redirect the electrical impulses and restore normal heart rhythm. During catheter ablation, the electrophysiologist guides thin, flexible electrode catheters through blood vessels and into the heart to find the source of arrhythmia. Our heart specialists may apply hot (radiofrequency or “RF” ablation) or cold (cryoablation) energy to that part of the heart. This process eliminates the cells that cause arrhythmia. In addition, Phoenix Children’s also offers cryoballoon ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation.

At Phoenix Children’s, our ablation therapies have a high rate of success in resolving abnormal heart rhythm disorder. After having the procedure, many of our patients do not require lifelong anti-arrhythmic medications to maintain a normal heartbeat.

Arrhythmias and heart rhythm disorders that don’t respond to medication or ablation may require a permanent pacemaker to help regulate the heartbeat.

Arrhythmias and heart rhythm disorders that don’t respond to medication or ablation may require a permanent pacemaker to help regulate the heartbeat. There are several types of pacemakers, including:

• Cardiac pacemaker uses low-power electrical impulses to make the heart beat. Doctors connect pacemakers to the heart with leads (small wires) placed inside or outside of the heart, depending on an individual’s size, anatomy and condition.
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a special type of pacemaker that uses low-power electrical signals to treat abnormally fast heart rate.
• Leadless pacemaker is a pacemaker that is implanted directly into the heart and does not require wires called leads to function.
• Subcutaneous/extravascular ICD is a pacemaker that uses wires placed under the skin instead of inside the heart.

Placing a pacemaker or ICD is not a one-size-fits-all solution – especially in small children or adults with complex congenital heart disease. It requires electrophysiologists with advanced expertise in treating all forms of congenital heart disease. Our electrophysiologists have high-level skills and experience in determining:

• Whether to place a device
• Which device to use
• How the device is placed

Cardiac Device Program

Cardiac devices require expert monitoring and 24/7 support. At Phoenix Children’s, specialized teams ensure that the device functions properly and is set and optimized to meet individual needs.

At Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care, we have one of the nation’s largest congenital cardiac device programs, placing and managing over 850 cardiac pacemakers and ICDs in children and young adults. We continuously monitor patients with devices through our remote monitoring program.

Using innovative remote monitoring technology, our specialists can often identify arrhythmias or abnormalities even before symptoms are evident. We perform over 1,200 remote monitoring interactions per year through our Cardiac Device Program, reducing hospitalizations and clinic visits. You can rest easier knowing that someone is always looking out for you or your child.