Cardiac arrhythmias are an increasingly common cardiovascular health problem. Lifestyle, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and factors such as arterial hypertension, have brought forward the average age of onset of this problem which, although not generally serious, does affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Until a few years ago, the treatment of these arrhythmias was based on the use of drugs with many contraindications and/or side effects, not curative in any case.
Advances in knowledge and technology have not only managed to eradicate many of these arrhythmias, mainly atrial fibrillation, but also arrhythmias considered untreatable or under a great burden of complications associated with radiation and manipulation of catheters inside the heart, have radically modified the therapeutic possibilities.
The use of intracardiac echocardiography in three-dimensional anatomical reconstruction integrated with electrophysiology navigation systems makes it possible to obtain information on complex anatomical areas without performing scopy (i.e., without radiation), to locate the position of the therapeutic ablation catheter in real time and to check contractility (capacity of the heart to function), and to ensure the absence of pericardial effusion (and other complications).
The Heart Area, with the usual coordination between the Electrophysiology Unit and the Cardiac Imaging Unit that I lead, has initiated a joint program, combining the technology of electrophysiology with that of intracardiac echocardiography, with great benefit for patients with complex arrhythmias, and therefore for the Heart Area of the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria.
This is another step forward in the growth of the Cardiac Imaging Unit, supporting the different areas (Clinical, Electrophysiology, Interventional and Cardiac Surgery) and various services of the hospital center in order to provide the best care for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
The Cardiac Imaging Unit of our Center, integrated by professionals who also work together in Health Centers not belonging to the public health system, manages to offer the same therapies to patients who cannot access it or prefer the possibility of a more individualized treatment.