MD Insider provides a unique inside look into medical conditions and treatments to uncover ground-breaking advances that are truly transforming healthcare. The series features insight from acclaimed cardiologist, Dean Kereiakes, MD, breaking down exciting innovations and treatments available right here in the Tristate.
Dr. Kereiakes: I’m Dean Kereiakes, Chairman of the Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute. Across the nation, arrhythmia poses a growing health concern, with irregular heartbeats affecting millions. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most prevalent form, is projected to impact 12 million Americans by 2030. Electrophysiology (EP) specializes in diagnosing and treating heart electrical disorders like AFib. With the aging population, the surge in arrhythmia cases has strained EP services, resulting in extended wait times for treatments such as ablation. Recognizing this urgent need, The Christ Hospital Health Network undertook a significant expansion of its EP center in early April 2024. This expanded facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including expert physicians and staff, significantly increases treatment capacity. As a result, patients in the Tristate region can be provided more timely, expert treatment of AF and other arrhythmias.
Dr. Daniel Pelchovitz, Medical Director of Electrophysiology at The Christ Hospital Health Network, leads a world-class team of EP physicians who perform the largest volume of AF ablations in the region at the new, expanded suite on the Mt. Auburn campus. These experts routinely perform multiple types of ablations as well as other treatments including pacemakers, defibrillators, and lead extractions—for which The Christ Hospital is the regional leader.
Dr. Pelchovitz: Advancements in medical science as well as improved therapies and procedures have enabled patients to live longer. Consequently, there is an unprecedented increase in the number of individuals aged 75 and older who are developing atrial fibrillation (AFib). Additionally, recent advancements in personal digital devices, such as the Apple Watch and home EKG machines, alert individuals to the possibility of an AFib event, further contributing to the increased detection of this condition.”
Patients from Columbus, Cleveland, Louisville, Lexington, and beyond who faced bottleneck delays now have easy access to a myriad of EP procedures and care from our EP providers at The Christ Hospital Health Network. This team performs the highest treatment volumes with the lowest complication rates in the region.
Dr. Kereiakes: At The Christ Heart & Vascular Institute, our specialists have unparalleled access to clinical research, innovation, and leading edge devices not available elsewhere. If you need a second opinion for arrythmia or other heart care call 513-960-4576 or visit TheChristHospital.com/second-opinion.