New Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedures at Inova Alexandria Hospital

Mount Vernon and Alexandria-area Patients Can Now Get Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedures Closer to Home

Alexandria, VA — Inova Alexandria Hospital recently started performing atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation procedures. AFib is the most common heart rhythm problem, also known as an arrhythmia, and is often identified by patients experiencing chaotic, rapid or irregular heartbeats. Ablation has become a first-line approach for treating most patients with AFib because it improves their quality of life, reduces AFib-related symptoms and prevents hospitalization.

AFib ablation is more complex than the relatively low-risk catheter ablations Inova Alexandria Hospital already offers to treat atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. To safely and successfully offer AFib ablation on-site, the hospital renovated its electrophysiology lab and upgraded to the latest equipment. The hospital also conducted specialized staff training and implemented new safety and transfer protocols aligned with Inova’s system-wide care goals. As a result, AFib patients can now receive the best possible care – close to home.

“Alexandria and residents of eastern Fairfax County needed better access to electrophysiologists and electrophysiology procedures,” said Stephen Gaeta, MD, Ph.D., Medical Director of electrophysiology services at Inova Alexandria Hospital, who focuses on bringing needed cardiac care to underserved areas in the region. “We believe offering patients care for heart rhythm disease within their local community will reduce health disparities across our area.”

The following electrophysiology procedures and resources are now available at Inova Alexandria Hospital:

• Ablations for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardia
• Full spectrum of cardiac device implants
• A modern electrophysiology lab capable of handling outpatient procedures and inpatient emergencies and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment
• A team of electrophysiologists from two medical practices, including Inova Arrhythmia and Virginia Heart
• Well-trained, experienced lab staff with cross-training at other Inova institutions
• Protocols to transport patients safely and expeditiously to Inova Heart and Vascular Institute at the Inova Fairfax Hospital Campus for immediate, advanced cardiac care if necessary

If you have been diagnosed with AFib, you should be seen by a heart rhythm specialist (electrophysiologist) to discuss the best treatment. Call 571-472-2342 or email afib@inova.org to schedule an appointment.