Welcome to the Shick Heart Center

Ablations  This is an invasive procedure which involves the correction of an abnormal heart rhythm (too fast/too slow) created by abnormal electrical conduction pathway in the heart's conduction system. During an ablation, the Electrophysiologist (EP doctor) locates the abnormal pathway and ablates it by cauterization (controlled burning), which sends the electrical current down a more desirable path. Generally after this procedure you will be discharged home with follow-up as determined by your physician. 

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)   An ICD is a device used to help control your heart rate and delivers a shock to the heart should it go into a fatal arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). It is sometimes recommended for people who have weak heart muscles due to congestive heart failure (CHF) or those diagnosed with " Sudden Death " a condition where the heart rhythm suddenly changes to a rhythm that does not sustain life (i.e. ventricular fibrillation).  
Click here for more information about The ICD Support Group.

The Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
pictured above is underneath a U.S. Quarter 

Pacemaker The pacemaker is a device which is implanted to initiate electrical conductions when your own electrical conduction system fails, malfunctions or functions at to slow of a rate. This small electrical device has two parts, a generator and one or two wires, called leads. The generator which is pictured below is inserted into a pocket underneath your skin, usually located on your left chest just beneath the shoulder. The pacemaker is programmed at the specifications of your cardiologist based on your specific needs. Click here for more information on Pacemakers.

The Pacemaker pictured to the left
is underneath a U.S. Quarter

For more information on Heart Rhythm Disorders visit North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology

For more information about Heart Disease, Diagnosis and Treatments visit the American Heart Association Website