Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Mayo Heart Rhythm Clinic

Mayo Heart Rhythm Clinic is one of the largest clinics in the nation for treatment of arrhythmia and has one of the highest volumes of patients, treating more than 4,000 patients per year with heart rhythm disorders. The clinic offers the most advanced diagnostic procedures and treatment options in heart arrhythmia care.

The Heart Rhythm Clinic takes a patient-centered, team approach. The clinic is staffed by nationally-recognized electrophysiologists, specialists in heart care with expertise in evaluating and treating heart rhythm problems and their complications. Many physicians in the Heart Rhythm Clinic have held and now hold leadership roles in the Heart Rhythm Society, a leading professional organization for heart rhythm disorders.

Some common disorders routinely assessed at the Heart Rhythm Clinic include:

• Syncope (fainting or blackouts) — Physicians assess the severity of syncope and conduct further tests to decide if medications or placement of an internal pacemaker or defibrillator will be of benefit.
• Heart failure — Physicians help determine whether the patient is a candidate for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
• Heart disease — Physicians assess the risk of sudden death and determine whether a patient is a good candidate for an implantable defibrillator.
• Arrhythmias (bradycardia, tachycardia, palpitations) — Physicians assess whether patients might be helped by medical (drug) therapy and determine whether radiofrequency ablation treatment may benefit a patient.

One clinic, many specialties

Just as there are many types of arrhythmias and related complications, the Mayo Heart Rhythm Clinic consists of six subclinics to address each patient's needs. Within the clinic, experienced cardiologists diagnose and treat patients in these specialized subclinics:

• Arrhythmia Clinic
• Atrial Fibrillation Clinic
• Implantable Device Clinic
• Long QT/Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic
• Pediatric and Adolescent Arrhythmia Clinic
• Syncope Clinic

Mayo Clinic experience, expertise

Every year, Mayo Heart Rhythm Clinic physicians place more than 600 defibrillators, 800 pacemakers and 200 CRT devices in patients, and perform more than 800 catheter ablations. This high volume of patients gives the physicians significant daily exposure to patients with heart rhythm disorders. Many physicians have been with Mayo Clinic for more than 15 years and are world-renowned specialists in heart rhythm disorders.

The experienced staff uses advanced imaging and mapping techniques. These diagnostic tools, including stereotaxis, intracardiac ultrasound and three-dimensional mapping, allow physicians to make prompt and accurate diagnoses and to develop personalized treatment plans. The combination of advanced imaging techniques, different treatment options, and the experience of Mayo physicians allows the Heart Rhythm Clinic staff to do more complicated and advanced procedures and give patients world-class care second to none.

Research

The experienced physicians in the Heart Rhythm Clinic also bring the perspective of clinical researchers. They conduct clinical research to discover new treatments and improve the care of patients with heart rhythm disorders. For the past several years, Mayo physicians have had one of the highest numbers of scientific presentations and invited lectures at meetings of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Appointments

Anyone may call to request an appointment in the Heart Rhythm Clinic. No physician referral is necessary, though patients' physicians may refer them to the Heart Rhythm Clinic. The cardiologists in the Heart Rhythm Clinic make every effort to see patients within two days of their requests. Patients' insurance plans often cover treatment at Mayo Clinic. To make an appointment with any subclinic within the Mayo Heart Rhythm Clinic, call 507-284-3994, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

Physician staff