Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Services
  • Heart and Vascular
  • Electrophysiology (Arrhythmia)
Content

PAMF Electrophysiology

Heartbeat irregularities, called arrhythmias, can lead to a variety of serious health conditions. At Palo Alto Medical Foundation, we offer a full spectrum of electrophysiology services to diagnose and treat nearly every condition affecting the heart’s electrical system.

Doctor listening to elderly woman's heartbeat

Featured Services

  • Cardiac Ablation
  • Cardiac Implantable Devices
  • Cardiovascular Imaging and Diagnostic Services
  • Cardioversion

OpenNot finding what you're looking for?

Electrophysiology (Arrhythmia) within the Sutter Health network

The Sutter Health network has doctors and services in more than 100 California cities.

    CloseNot finding what you're looking for?

    Chat with a Referral Specialist Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm PDT

    Or call (888) 834-1788.

    Diagnosing and Treating Irregular Heartbeat

    The heart relies on electrical impulses to beat. When the area of the heart sending the signals (the sinoatrial node) develops a problem or the electrical pathways become blocked, your heart can develop an irregular beat called an arrhythmia. This can cause worrisome symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness or, in serious cases, even lead to cardiac arrest.

    Close up of EKG readout

    Thankfully, arrhythmias can be treated using cardiac electrophysiology, the study of heart’s electrical system. Specially trained cardiologists called electrophysiologists use advanced equipment to diagnose the source of the irregular rhythm. They then can treat the problem using a number of minimally invasive methods.

    Cardiac Ablation

    Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to restore normal heart rhythms by destroying (ablating) any tiny areas of heart tissue causing the arrhythmias. Electrophysiologists use catheters guided by sophisticated x-ray and 3D mapping and sometimes stereotaxis (robotic navigation).

    Implantable Pacemaker and Cardiac Defibrillator

    A pacemaker is a device with a small, battery-powered generator and one or more wires (or leads) that monitors the electrical impulses of your heart and, when needed, produces electrical impulses to help your heart regain a regular rhythm. An electrophysiologist implants the pacemaker under the skin, usually in the chest near the shoulder, and extends tiny lead wires through a vein to your heart muscle.

    Specialists may recommend a cardiac resynchronization therapy device, a specialized pacemaker, which works especially well for people at risk of heart failure and whose heart chambers do not beat in unison. It stimulates two areas of the heart – the right and left ventricles (lower chambers) and atria (upper chambers) – to help them pump more efficiently.

    Depending on your type of arrhythmia, you may need an implantable cardiac defibrillator. Like a pacemaker, an ICD monitors your heartbeat and sends electrical impulses to the heart to normalize heart rhythm. However, an ICD also can detect dangerously rapid or erratic heartbeat in the heart ventricles and deliver a more powerful electric shock to immediately restore a normal heartbeat.

    A particular type of ICD called a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator places the electrode near, but not in, the heart, to reduce risks for certain patients. Ask your doctor if this type of device is optimal for your situation.

    Many ICDs can record the heart's electrical patterns whenever an abnormal heartbeat occurs. Your doctor will review this data during your regular check-ups and use it to inform any future treatment. For people taking warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent blood clots after an implant, anticoagulation clinics are offered in the Sutter Health network.

    WatchmanTM Implantable Device

    The Sutter Health network now offers the non-surgical WatchmanTM implant device for people with atrial fibrillation. WatchmanTM may help lower your risk of stroke and eliminate the need for long-term blood thinner medications, such as warfarin.

    You may be eligible for WatchmanTM if you:

    • Can take warfarin but need an alternative to long-term blood thinners.
    • Have no other reason to take blood thinners.
    • Don’t have a heart valve issue.
    • Have less than two risk factors for stroke (e.g., age 55+, diabetes, prior stroke, etc.).

    The procedure to implant the WatchmanTM device requires only light sedation. Using a catheter inserted into a vein near the upper thigh or groin, the device is transported to the heart and implanted into the left atrial appendage. Once expanded, the device closes off the left atrial appendage and prevents blood from entering.

    The procedure itself lasts about 30 minutes. Most people are able to walk and leave the hospital the next day. After 45 days and a doctor’s clearance, most people are able to stop taking warfarin.

    Patient Information

    Elderly white couple working on laptop

    Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

    • Accepted Health Plans
    • Tips for Choosing a Doctor
    • Health Insurance Guide

    Helpful Resources

    Close up of a heart pacemaker

    Living With an Implantable Cardiac Device

    Your pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator can provide years of dependable service but it does require you to adjust some personal practices and attend to regular care and maintenance. Learn what you and your doctor can do to keep your implantable device running smoothly.

    Health and Wellness

    Heart Palpitations: What to Know About Thumps, Flutters and Skipped Beats

    Learn More About Heart Palpitations

    A racing or irregular-feeling heartbeat may be a sign of a serious problem, or just a signal that you need to stop, rest and take a few deep breaths. Learn potential causes for heart palpitations and how to know when it’s time to seek medical attention.

    Learn More About Heart Palpitations Learn More About Heart Palpitations

    Electrophysiology Research

    Sutter Health Electrophysiology Research
    Cardiac Electrophysiology, or arrhythmia is the study of the electrical functions of the cells within the heart. The electrical signals can be observed using an Electrocardiogram, or an ECG. An ECG can reveal different arrhythmic conditions such as Bradycardia, Tachycardia, and Atrial Fibrillation.

    Sutter Health Electrophysiology Research Sutter Health Electrophysiology Research

    Doctor Profiles

    The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
    Jonathan Salcedo, M.D.

    Jonathan Salcedo, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    R. Hardwin Mead, M.D.

    R. Hardwin Mead, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    Amir Schricker, M.D., M.S., FACC, FHRS

    Amir Schricker, M.D., M.S., FACC, FHRS

    • Electrophysiology

    Chad R. Brodt, M.D.

    Chad R. Brodt, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    Gregory Engel, M.D.

    Gregory Engel, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    Roger A. Winkle, M.D.

    Roger A. Winkle, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    Christopher Woods, M.D., Ph.D., FHRS

    Christopher Woods, M.D., Ph.D., FHRS

    • Electrophysiology

    Sung H. Chun, M.D.

    Sung H. Chun, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    Girish A. Narayan, M.D.

    Girish A. Narayan, M.D.

    • Electrophysiology

    View All Related Doctors

    Services Near You

    San Carlos Center

    San Carlos Center

    301 Industrial Road

    San Carlos, CA 94070

    (650) 321-4121

    Redwood City Vascular Surgery

    Redwood City Vascular Surgery

    2900 Whipple Avenue

    Suite 225

    Redwood City, CA 94062

    (650) 366-0225

    Monterey Cardiology

    Monterey Cardiology

    23845 Holman Highway

    Suite 220

    Monterey, CA 93940

    (831) 644-0225

    Melchor Pavilion

    Melchor Pavilion

    2490 Hospital Drive

    Mountain View, CA 94040

    (650) 934-7520

    Palo Alto - Encina Building

    Palo Alto - Encina Building

    87 Encina Avenue

    Palo Alto, CA 94301

    (650) 853-2975

    East Palo Alto Care Center

    East Palo Alto Care Center

    1950 University Avenue

    East Palo Alto, CA 94303

    Palo Alto Center

    Palo Alto Center

    795 El Camino Real

    Palo Alto, CA 94301

    (650) 321-4121

    Burlingame Center

    Burlingame Center

    1501 Trousdale Drive

    Building B

    Burlingame, CA 94010

    Fremont Center

    Fremont Center

    3200 Kearney Street

    Fremont, CA 94538

    (510) 490-1222

    View All Related Locations

    Referring Physicians

    Find a specialist who fits your patients' needs.

    The Sutter Health Network of Care
    Expertise to fit your needs
    Primary Care

    Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

    Specialty Care

    Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

    Emergency Care

    For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

    Urgent Care

    After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

    Walk-In Care

    Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

    About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences