Recently there was a recall of defibrillators. When this happens it is essential to see an electrophysiologist and ensure that you are safe and healthy.
To read the full story, click below.
Posted By: Axiom Healthcare Marketing
Dr. Hakop Hrachian, MD
Mar 04
Defibrillator Recalls & the Importance of Seeing an Electrophysiologist
Millions of Americans suffer from heart arrhythmia’s that are mild to moderate and some even suffer from such severe arrhythmia’s that there is a potential for death. Those at increased risk of dangerous heart arrhythmia’s or irregular heart rhythms are often treated using medical devices known as ICD (Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator, or simply defibrillator) which work to detect & change life-threatening rhythms.
Unfortunately, even the small, surgically implanted devices known as defibrillators, that so many arrhythmia sufferers have grown to rely upon can fail. Often times, the failure of an ICD is the direct result of manufacturing process and in many cases, these malfunctions result in a product recall. When an ICD is recalled, there is an immediate need for the patient to seek medical help from an electrophysiologist to ensure that he or she is not at risk of serious medical injury or death.
Why are defibrillators prescribed?
Defibrillators are commonly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia’s that involve a rapid heart rate (medically known as tachycardia). Defibrillators are also capable of performing as a pacemaker if needed. Once surgically implanted, the defibrillator will send regular electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a safe rhythm if necessary. Defibrillators are design to treat life threatening tachycardia; however they can also help to alleviate the symptoms of bradycardia allowing the patient to live a healthy, active lifestyle despite their heart arrhythmia. Unfortunately, when defibrillators do not operate properly, the patient is at serious risk of complications resulting mainly from the abnormal heart rhythm which is why it’s especially important for patients who have a defibrillator implanted to regularly see an electrophysiologist to ensure that the defibrillator is functioning correctly.
Defibrillator Recalls
The FDA has classified three levels of recalls which basically outline the actions that must be taken whenever a medical device is recalled. Each classification is based on the FDA findings of risk assessment and the potential threat that the defective device will cause to the patient. Defibrillator recalls that can result in severe malfunction of the device which could lead to patient death are typically Class I recalls—the most serious of the FDA medical device recall classifications.
The classifications of medical device recalls are as follows:
- Class I Recalls – issued by the FDA when there is great potential for injury or death resulting from the defective device. This is the most serious FDA recall class for medical devices such as pacemakers.
- Class II recalls – issued by the FDA when there is serious potential risk but there is only a remote possibility of death or serious injury occurring. The FDA issues this type of medical device recall when it determines that the patient may suffer reversible health consequences if the device fails but there is little reason to believe that long-term or irreversible damage will ensue.
- Class III Recalls – issued by the FDA when there is virtually no risk to the patient’s health should the device malfunction. The FDA issues this type of recall when it determines that a medical device violates the law and should be removed from the marketplace but does not pose any risk to patients.
Importance of Seeing an Electrophysiologist
Patients, who have had a defibrillator implanted, should receive regular check-ups from an electrophysiologist to ensure that the defibrillator continues to operate correctly and has not been the subject of a product recall. Complications related to defibrillators can and do occur, but in many cases they can be prevented with regular follow up care. The most common complications that arise in defibrillators involve device malfunction. This is often the result of incorrect software programming, defibrillator and/or lead failure, but may also be caused by the patient himself.
Regular health check-ups can prevent the risk of defibrillator malfunction in some cases and are recommended for anyone who has had a medical device such as a defibrillator implanted to ensure patient health and safety. Healthcare providers are typically well informed and up-to-date with the latest product recalls, especially when they pertain to their particular area of expertise. If you are a defibrillator patient, talk with your electrophysiologist about recent recalls and the steps you should take to avoid device malfunction.
Posted by: Axiom Healthcare Marketing
Dec 25
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida would like to everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida
This practice has two locations:
South Miami Office
5975 Sunset Drive, Suite 802 in South Miami, FL 33143
Homestead Office
975 Baptist Way, Suite 202 in Homestead, FL 33033
Phone: (305) 663-3377
Fax: (305) 663-3097
Website: www.heartrhythmsfla1.com
Posted by Axiom Administrative Services
Phone/Fax: 800-888-6348
Dec 16
What One Should Expect During Elecrophysiology Cardiac Procedures
Undergoing any medical procedure is a serious matter. Therefore, understanding all expectations, from the patient and the Electrophysiologist/Cardiologist is essential to make sure your procedure goes smoothly. Although each procedure varies, the core of each procedure has very similar expectations. Therefore, you will learn about what to expect prior to, during and after your electrophysiology cardiac procedure.
As a patient, your Cardiac Electrophysiologist will have many recommendations to follow before the procedure. Following these instructions is very important and will greatly reduce your chances of intra-test and post-test complications. For diagnostic and therapeutic (Ablation) procedures, there are many pre-test guidelines that MUST be followed. Procedures usually require patients to avoid eating or drinking anything other than the appropriate medication with small amount of water. Normally, a medical staff member from the Cardiac Electrophysiologist’s office will contact the patient to ensure all instructions are understood by answering any questions.
Before undergoing an electrophyisology cardiac procedure, there are extensive questions that must be completely and accurately answered. You will be asked what medications you take along with the dosage and frequency. Your next question will determine when and where your last electrophysiology (EPS) study has been performed. You will also be asked if you are a diabetic, what type and if you are currently taking insulin. Since contrast dyes are occasionally part of electrophysiology cardiac procedures, you will need to supply answers to questions related to allergies with animal proteins, natural and manmade materials (i.e. latex) and the contrast media itself. The last general question includes determining when and where you had the blood test and where your results can be found.
After you have completed all of the pre-procedure routines, it is important to understand what to expect during the procedure itself. Depending on your blood work history, you may need blood work on the day of your procedure. You should expect an intravenous (IV) catheter will be needed to deliver nutrients and/or required contrast dyes. If you become anxious or your body tenses up, medication may be required to obtain realistic results. Your blood oxygen levels will be measured during the entire procedure with an oxygen probe situated on your finger.
One should expect an extremely safe, efficient and highly accurate procedure regardless of whatever individual procedure you need. Whether you are in a private practice or a hospital setting, your procedure will occur in a electrophysiology (EP) laboratory. As the patient, you will be situated on a movable procedure table – this enables you to be moved around in a stationary position to perform your procedure as efficiently as possible. Once you are in the correct position, your body will have ECG electrode pads placed on your legs, chest and shoulders to continually monitor your vital signs. After ensuring the ECG electrodes are working and your other vitals are being continually monitored, you will be sedated.
The “heart” of the procedure is when the medical professionals, nurses and doctors exclusively, perform their specialist roles. Electrode catheters, normally inserted into the body through the groin or neck, are placed into the patient’s heart chambers. These wires will record the heart’s electrical pulses and be recorded on a computer.
After your Cardiac Electrophysiologist and support staff perform the specific procedure, there is a recovery and post-procedure process. Once all tests are performed and recorded, the IV and vital monitoring equipment is removed, you will be required to rest for a minimum of six hours. This time-frame will give your doctor and nurse a chance to make sure there are no complications. However, if complications including wetness, bleeding or warmth around the catheter site occur or you feel pain anywhere throughout your body, notify your nurse and doctor right away.
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida
This practice has two locations:
South Miami Office
5975 Sunset Drive, Suite 802 in South Miami, FL 33143
Homestead Office
975 Baptist Way, Suite 202 in Homestead, FL 33033
Phone: (305) 663-3377
Fax: (305) 663-3097
Website: www.heartrhythmsfla1.com
Posted by Axiom Administrative Services
Phone/Fax: 800-888-6348
Dec 06
When Would You Need an Electrophysiologist?
Now that we have covered what a Cardiac Electrophysiologist does, which is studying the rhythms and electrical system of the heart and its functioning[i], this article will discuss when you would need an Electrophysiologist. Speaking with your primary care physician or similar medical professional will enable you to determine when you need to see an Electrophysiologist. This article will also discuss some conditions including irregular heartbeats and irregular electrical activities in your heart that are some signs when you need an Electrophysiologist.
After suffering certain medical setbacks is when you would need to see an Electrophysiologist. If you have suffered a heart attack and your heart has suffered an injury that now causes a heart arrhythmia, you would need to see an Electrophysiologist. When you are recovering from heart surgery, you would need an Electrophysiologist. Your Electrophysiologist is able to follow up with your heart’s condition, functioning, etc. If you are recovering from coronary artery disease or you are suffering from a heart arrhythmia, it is time to see an Electrophysiologist. Your specialist will be able to confirm your irregular heart-beats through extensive testing of your heart’s electrical system.[ii]
When modifying your lifestyle and using medications from a physician do not correct your irregular heart rhythms, it is time to see an Electrophysiologist. An Electrophysiologist will work with you to determine what lifestyle modifications and/or changes in medications may be required to effect such change. Your Electrophysiologist might also run some more tests to determine the location of the heart arrhythmia and if surgery is a viable option to correct the problem.[iii]
When you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is when you should go to an Electrophysiologist. Going to an Electrophysiologist will help you diagnose and correct your heart arrhythmia. While atrial fibrillation may be caused by a multitude of medical conditions and events including high blood pressure, a heart attack, heart surgery, or lifestyle choices including heavy alcohol consumption, its effects can be deadly. If untreated, the human heart can beat fast or with an unpredictable rhythm, hence an irregular beat. Untreated atrial fibrillation can lead to blood pooling in the heart’s atria, potentially forming clots, and if pumped by the heart into the body’s arteries, the clot can make its way throughout the bloodstream and cause a stroke or clot in the brain. Untreated atrial fibrillation can similarly cause a heart attack as well. That is why when you feel one or more of the following symptoms you should get medical help and determine if you have atrial fibrillation: feeling dizzy, shallow breath, weak, tired, chest pain, etc.
In addition to feeling some general feelings of poor health, there are also some symptoms that should send you an Electrophysiologist as soon as possible. If you feel your heart palpitating too slowly, too rapidly or having an irregular rhythm, it lasts for more than one minute and you have not been exercising for a considerable amount of time, it is time to contact an Electrophysiologist. If you feel your heart palpitating at any time and you feel like you are going to pass out, nauseous, vomit or similar symptoms, you should call emergency medical services right away. If you are able to wait until non-emergency services are ready, then when you have one of more of these symptoms, you should contact an Electrophysiologist to schedule an appointment. If you have heart palpitations and have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and similar cardio-vascular conditions, then you should see an Electrophysiologist as soon as possible. Essentially, if you have palpitations by themselves or with one of the above mentioned symptoms, this is when you should see an Electrophysiologist.[iv]
If you have pacemaker or defibrillator you may need to an Electrophysiologist. Your device may need optimization or adjustment, and Electrophysiologist is trained to do that.
If you have history of passing out (syncope), with or without a clear diagnosis, you may want to consult with an Electrophysiologist. Patients with syncope are often misdiagnosed, and ultimately see an Electrophysiologist for correct diagnosis.
In summary, if you have any of the following situations, you may want to see an Electrophysiologist.
- Patients with pacemakers and defibrillators
- Patient with syncope ( passing out or loss of consciousness)
- Patients with seizure disorder who do not respond to medical therapy.
- Patients with palpitation, racing heart beat, or irregular heart beat.
- Patients with any type of cardiac arrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation
- Patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease, and patients with prior heart surgery or catheterization.
- Patients with stroke with unknown cause
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida
This practice has two locations:
South Miami Office
5975 Sunset Drive, Suite 802 in South Miami, FL 33143
Homestead Office
975 Baptist Way, Suite 202 in Homestead, FL 33033
Phone: (305) 663-3377
Fax: (305) 663-3097
Website:www.heartrhythmsfla1.com
Posted by Axiom Administrative Services
Phone/Fax: 800-888-6348
Nov 23
Happy Thanksgiving Day
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Oct 29
What to Look for in a Cardiologist and/ or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Looking for a Cardiologist or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist is a very important decision. The first thing you need to look for when looking for either a Cardiologist or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist is that he or she is a board-certified Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). This ensures that your Cardiologist of Cardiac Electrophysiologist has graduated from an accredited medical school, and then completed a residency and finally a fellowship. After the education has been completed, it will be necessary to complete either a written and/or an oral exam before the Cardiologist or Cardiac Electrophysiologist candidate can become board certified.
The next thing to look for in a Cardiologist and/or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist is to make sure he or she is an experienced physician. This can be accomplished by asking the doctor how many years he or she has been practicing. Another way to determine the level of experience a doctor has is by looking at independent industry or government websites. The more experience a physician has generally correlates to more procedures done and therefore a lower chance of a mistake or medical malpractice.
Ensuring your Cardiologist and/or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist does not have any industry or government sanctions or complaints against him or her is another thing to look for. Before you receive medical care from a Cardiologist or a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, make sure that your doctor does not have any complaints from patients against them individually or their Practice. It is also good to look for sanctions against the doctor from the State they are practicing in. Similarly, it is also good to see if the Cardiologist or Cardiac Electrophysiologist is facing any lawsuits or has been sued in the past. Determining the background of your potential future Cardiologist and/or Cardiac Electrophysiologist is a good thing to look for because you will be able to protect your health much better than blindly seeing a doctor.
Look for attributes of openness, empathy and great communication skills in a Cardiologist and/or Cardiac Electrophysiologist during your search. Making sure your Cardiologist and/or Cardiac Electrophysiologist is very open because that will enable you and him or he the ability to openly and honestly discuss your medical history, his or her past experience and the potential medical procedure that will be performed. Ensuring your doctor has adequate communication skills will ensure that both of you are fully aware of the medical procedure, any risks, concerns, preparations and anything possible. Looking for a Cardiologist and/or Cardiac Electrophysiologist will empathy will allay your fears, make sure you are comfortable with it and make sure whatever is necessary will be available to make your medical procedure as painless and safe as humanly possible.
Therefore, when looking for a Cardiologist and/or Cardiac Electrophysiologist, you need to make sure your physician has the proper education, is board certified by the State and/or proper governing body, is experienced so there is a low chance of having a medical mistake. You also have to make sure that your Cardiologist and/or Cardiac Electrophysiologist can handle any type of questions, does not have any outstanding professional or legal complaints or lawsuits against him or her and is willing to accommodate you as reasonable as possible if you do decide to go ahead with your procedure.
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida
This practice has two locations:
South Miami Office
5975 Sunset Drive, Suite 802 in South Miami, FL 33143
Homestead Office
975 Baptist Way, Suite 202 in Homestead, FL 33033
Phone: (305) 663-3377
Fax: (305) 663-3097
Website:www.heartrhythmsfla1.com
Posted by Axiom Administrative Services
Phone/Fax: 800-888-6348
Endnotes
- Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Definition of “Cardiology.” October 24, 2012. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardiology, Accessed October 24 2012.
- Heart Disease and Electrophysiology (EP) Testing. http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/electrophysiology-test, Accessed October 24, 2012.
Oct 08
Your Heart Is In Your Hands Symposium
Doctor Hrachian Attends Heart Health Symposium
Doctor Hrachian attended the “Your Heart is in Your Hands” symposium on September 22, 2012. With over 300 guests in attendance to learn more about preventing heart disease and promoting the eduction of the public about heart disease.
Doctor Hrachian was selected as a heart health specialist to attend and share his knowledge with the public and local doctors.
Reginald Laroche who also attended, was quoted as saying “It was a great opportunity to be in Aruba to share our experience regarding Cardiac Rehabilitation, but to also interact with the people of Aruba and educate the community regarding wellness and prevention initiatives that they can immediately apply to better their lifestyle,”.
Both Laroche and Dr. Hrachian attended on behalf of Baptist Health International/South Florida.
Aug 01
South Florida’s top heart doctors join AXIOM client list
The premiere electrophysiology physicians in the Miami area are teaming up with AXIOM to help patients with their heart health. The Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida provide comprehensive care to individuals suffering from heart rhythm abnormalities.
Dr. Hakop Hrachian
Dr. Hakop Hrachian is the founder and President of Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida. He has extensive experience in treatment of cardiovascular disease and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.
Dr. Hrachian is passionate about Electrophysiology – which is the study of the electrical system of the heart and has dedicated his practice to treat the conditions associated with this specialty, primarily heart rhythm abnormalities.
Dr. Hrachian is a Health Grades recommended physician with over 19 years of experience. He trained at New York Medical College, Mount Sinai Medical Center and Temple University Hospital.
Dr. Giancarlo Speziani
His partner at Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida is renowned Cardiologist Dr. Giancarlo Speziani. Dr. Speziani graduated from the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine and has also trained at Wake Forest University and the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is specialized in clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and is also board certified in Internal medicine and Cardiovascular Medicine. He has a special interest in clinical cardiac Electrophysiology involving pacemakers, defibrillators and treatment of complex arrhythmias particularly atrial fibrillation.
Each of these physicians has performed hundreds of procedures involving the heart and has saved countless lives. Both are passionate about their work and are willing to work with patients of any background. The Practice also caters to International patients, by helping them with the process of coming to the United States for treatment. Practice is equipped to handle patients of any nationality with fluency in five languages: English, Spanish, Armenian, Farsi and Turkish.
This dedication to their specialty and willingness to work with patients has endeared these physicians with their patients. Patients that are treated by these doctors are amazed at the level of service and the amount of care provided even after the procedure and recovery process is complete.
That is why AXIOM is proud to add this practice to its ever-growing list of clients.
This will get the word out there about the quality of service offered by this outstanding set of physicians located in South Florida,
Heart Rhythm Specialists of South Florida
This practice has an office in two locations:
South Miami
5975 Sunset Drive, Suite 802 in South Miami, FL 33143
Homestead
975 Baptist Way, Suite 202 in Homestead, FL 33033
Phone: (305) 663-3377
Fax: (305) 663-3097
Website: http://www.heartrhythmsfla1.com
AXIOM CORPORATE INFORMATION
Mailing Address: Axiom Administrative Services, LLC
PO Box 730956
Ormond Beach, Florida 32173
Phone/Fax: 305-967-7446
Physical Address: Axiom Administrative Services, LLC
69 Appaloosa Lane, Bldg C, Ste. 201
Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
Phone/Fax: 305-967-7446
Website: http://www.axiomadminserv.com
Jul 19
South Miami Hospital ranked top hospital in South Florida
The Miami Herald ran a story on July 17 that South Miami Hospital was ranked the top hospital in the region this year by U.S. News and World Report.
