New Heart Rhythm Center

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY A new Heart Rhythm Center offers focused care to patients with arrhythmias

New facility is designed as a one-stop destination for pre-operative, procedure and post-operative EP care.

Matthew McKillop, MD, (left) and CV Technologist Lana Clements (right) view an ultrasound of the inside of the left atrium where ablation catheter technology is used to target areas causing AFib. Cardiac electrophysiology (EP), a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on the heart’s electrical activity, is a rapidly growing field at the forefront of efforts to find new treatments and cures for heart rhythm problems. Arrhythmias can be life-limiting, or life-threatening, so treatment is important. The new Heart Rhythm Center, opening February 2023, will help Baptist Health meet the growing need for this specialized care and help save lives in our community. Located on the second floor of Baptist Heart Hospital, this 14,400-square-foot facility will include three EP labs, three central staff and physician work areas, 10 patient recovery rooms and a family lounge. “The overall population is increasing and aging,” said Matthew McKillop, MD, electrophysiologist and medical director of the EP Program at

Matthew McKillop, MD, FACC, FHRS Medical Director, Electrophysiology Program Christopher Austin, MD, FACC Electrophysiologist Christopher Ruisi, MD Electrophysiologist Venkata Sagi, MD Electrophysiologist Aaditya Vora, MD Electrophysiologist

Three electrophysiology labs will be located in the new Heart Rhythm Center.

Baptist Health. “The risk of developing some heart arrhythmias along with other predisposing factors like cardiomyopathy increase with age. Therefore, we are seeing a distinct rise in these health concerns. People now have access to better diagnostic mechanisms, including wearable devices with electrocardiogram technology, along with better patient education, which has led to more timely diagnoses.” Enhancing Baptist Health’s current comprehensive EP program, this new $17 million facility will focus on treatments and cures for heart rhythm abnormalities. “The Heart Rhythm Center is a comprehensive, hospital-based facility that will offer patients a one-stop destination for EP procedures, including catheter-based ablations, and implantation of defibrillators, pacemakers and other devices,” said Dr. McKillop. “All pre-operative, procedure and post-operative care, including overnight stays if needed, will be performed in this state-of-the-art center, allowing patients to stay in this community for the care they need.”

NEARLY 70%

of patients go home the same day as their procedure (AFIB and ICD).

January – December 2021