ARRHYTHMIA Management & Devices

Our cardiac electrophysiology service is a high-volume referral center for the management of complex cardiac arrhythmias complemented by a robust research program.

THE FRANKEL CVC DIFFERENCE

With 18 faculty members, our large cardiac electrophysiology team works in close collaboration with heart and vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, neurologists, and radiologists for comprehensive multidisciplinary care

We have been at the forefront of treating complex arrhythmias for more than 40 years. The Frankel CVC has been an international leader in complex arrhythmia ablation and implantation and management of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).

Continuous investment in people, infrastructure and the latest technology, with new labs opening in 2025 and 2026, to deliver the best patient care.

Repeatedly, in the top 1% in the U.S. for “Best Overall Patient Experience and Care” by Press Ganey.

>30% GROWTH in EP procedural volume over the last five years

CATHETER ABLATIONS

1,400 catheter ablations per year using the latest novel technology, including 3D and 4D navigation and mapping systems, radiofrequency, cryoablation and, more recently, pulsed field ablation (PFA), a nonthermal ablation with minimal risk of collateral tissue injury that specifically targets abnormal heart cells. Frankel CVC was one of the first in the nation to adopt PFA.

We are dedicated to delivering the right treatment for the right patient.

• For patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and recurrent atrial arrhythmias, we also offer targeted approaches such as ethanol ablation of the vein of Marshall to eliminate residual mechanisms of atrial fibrillation.

• Our cardiac surgeons perform atrial ablation (MAZE procedure) at the time of other heart surgery, as well as through minimally invasive approaches in patients with lone atrial fibrillation.

U-M VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA ABLATIONS TICKER 3,000+ ABLATION PROCEDURES FOR VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS to date

• We have expertise in high-risk epicardial ablation to treat complex ventricular arrhythmias and noninvasive stereotactic ablation in patients for whom catheter ablation is too risky or not feasible.

• We also perform ablations in patients with LVADs and difficult-to-treat ventricular arrhythmias.

CARDIAC IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE (CIED) IMPLANTATION AND MANAGEMENT

The Frankel CVC is a major referral center for complex device extractions. In close partnership with cardiac surgery, we minimize the risk of complications and intervene immediately if necessary, leading to excellent outcomes.

We were one of the first in the nation to implant the world’s smallest — dual chamber — leadless pacemaker. Novel dual and single chamber leadless pacemakers and extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (EV ICDs) are used in patients with vascular access and recurrent infection concerns.

We offer physiologic conduction system pacing, a new cardiac pacing approach used to preserve and restore physiologic cardiac synchrony for better patient outcomes.

>1,000 CIED IMPLANTS EACH YEAR We offer the latest technology tailored for each patient.

LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION (LAAO)

For patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot tolerate the use of anticoagulants to minimize the risk of stroke, our team offers LAAO after a comprehensive evaluation with electrophysiology, vascular neurology, radiology, and cardiac surgery.

Treatment options include devices, like the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro and Amplatzer™ Amulet, ™ and surgical options, like an AtriClip often with an accompanying MAZE procedure to eliminate atrial fibrillation, usually through video-assisted thoracoscopy.

NOVEL CLINICAL TRIALS

For decades, we have conducted many investigator initiated clinical trials and participated in numerous multicenter clinical trials. Our experts have helped to improve and offer novel treatment approaches for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Current clinical trials include:

• AVANT GUARD – This multicenter, global study aims to establish the safety and effectiveness of pulsed field ablation as a first-line ablation treatment for subjects with persistent atrial fibrillation as compared to subjects who received an initial treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs.

• LAAOS-4 – A multicenter study using the WATCHMAN FLX™ device aiming to determine if catheter-based endovascular LAAO prevents ischemic stroke or systemic embolism in participants with atrial fibrillation, who remain at high risk of stroke, despite receiving ongoing treatment with oral anticoagulation.

For information about our many active clinical trials, visit UMHealthResearch.org