Kenwood - The Jewish Hospital has installed a new cardiac mapping system, for use during electrophysiology (EP) procedures, to collect information about the heart's electrical activity. The new equipment, called the EnSite System, creates a three-dimensional cardiac model, which shows the openings, ridges and curves of the heart. The physician uses this information about the heart's electrical activity to diagnose and treat many arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), including atrial fibrillation.

The EnSite System offers a more accurate map of the heart for ease in treating arrhythmias. Cardiologist Sheldon Brownstein, M.D., received extensive training with the Ensite System at the St. Jude Medical Training Center and now is the primary user of the new equipment at Jewish Hospital.

"With this map, we can pinpoint the exact area of the heart where the arrhythmia is coming from and ablate, or burn, just that area. Being able to ablate faster and more accurately will shorten the length of ablation procedures, which is an advantage to patients, physicians, nurses and technicians," said Dr. Brownstein.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of persistent, irregular heartbeat. According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 2.2 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation. It can be diagnosed most simply by an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that measures the electrical signals that control the rhythm of the heartbeat. Traditional treatment has been medication, but often it is not appropriately controlled. This new ablation technology allows for more precise identification of the electrical cells that are causing the irregular rhythm and elimination.

The Jewish Hospital is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system that also includes The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, Fort Hamilton Hospital, Drake Center, West Chester Medical Center and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom.

-30-