Electrophysiology Lab
Most healthy people cannot imagine what it would feel like to have their heart perform irregularly, making sputters and gasps like a car engine on a cold day. They are often rushed to the hospital and given electronic charges that, "jump start" the heart again.
Once the irregular heartbeat is diagnosed (called arrhythmia) patients might receive a surgically implanted with a device that helps regulate their heart rhythms (called an internal cardiac defibrillator, or ICD). However, even after the device is implanted and working properly, most people need attention to the psychological effects this disease has caused.
That's why the staff in the Electrophysiology Lab does something that is rewarding for patients who have suffered from irregular heart rhythms and have these internal machines. The department hosts the ICD Support Group. Joan Arakelian, Wendy Lancey, and Paul Roland all RNs, MSNs started the group in 1994. Joan continues to organize the meetings. The support group has grown from just a few patients and family members to over 60 members strong.
The staff (Joan Arakelian, MSRN, Carol Bielawski, BSN, RN, MaryBeth Creem, BSN, RN, Kevin Erkkila BS, CVT, Deborah Seth, BSN, RN, manager Jennifer McCarthy, MSRN and Director Trevor Greene MD) all take part in moderating the group. The patients and their families share concerns, fears and experiences. Fun stories are told, such as the patient who had their device activate an airport security alarm. The companies that supply the equipment also attend to answer technical questions and concerns about the devices. Dinner is provided and a raffle is held during this informative and lighthearted meeting.
The Director of the department, Dr. Greene has a wonderful rapport with the patients and keeps their rapt attention during the evening. The Electrophysiology Lab provides this special community of patients with not just medical care, but lets them know that people care too.
For more information call 508-363-9018
While the physicians identified on this web site are members of the medical staff of Saint Vincent Hospital, the physicians are independent contractors who are self-employed or employed by an entity other than Saint Vincent Hospital. As a result, such physicians are neither employees or agents of Saint Vincent Hospital and Saint Vincent Hospital is not responsible for any actions which they may take in their medical practice.
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