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Electrophysiology at CPMC San Francisco

Watch a video featuring electrophysiologist Steven Hao, M.D.Opens new window as he explains how to treat abnormal heart rhythms.

Electrophysiology procedures require the insertion of an electrode catheter into the heart from veins in the leg and/or neck. Some electrophysiology studies are performed to diagnose abnormalities, while others are done to access the heart for treatment or correction of certain conditions.

The cardiac electrophysiology laboratories are located in the Kanbar Cardiac Center at California Pacific Medical Center. The professional staff is comprised of electrophysiology specialists who are at the forefront of latest cardiac electrophysiology treatment options, heart studies, therapy and clinical research.

Meet our Team of Top Electrophysiologists

Our experienced professional staff, including Drs Andrea Natale, Steven Hao and Richard Hongo, perform most of their procedures in the Electrophysiology Laboratory at the Kanbar Center. Together, the three physicians annually perform more than 625 complex ablations in Northern California, including 450 atrial fibrillation procedures - more than any other doctor. And their experience translates into success.

In fact, a survey of patients worldwide on www.afibbers.com rated CPMC as one of the best three hospitals in the world for treatment of atrial fibrillation -- and our physicians are among the best electrophysiologists in the San Francisco Bay Area, the best in California, and the best in the United States. If you are possibly suffering from arryhythmias or other heart conditions, reach out for an initial consultation. Our expert team will work with you on a heart healthy plan customized for your cardiac needs. Electrophysiology may be part of your treatment plan.

Electrophysiology provides evaluation, diagnosis and therapy for:

The Electrophysiology Program offers:

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (Antral Pulmonary Vein Isolation)

AF Ablation
A special catheter ablation procedure isolating and destroying abnormal areas in the left atrium, pulmonary veins, and superior vena cava that start and maintain atrial fibrillation. This procedure utilizes special technology to visualize and reconstruct the heart to provide a safer procedure and results in a cure from atrial fibrillation inover 90% of cases(sometimes requiring 2 procedures).

Learn about our new CARTOMERGE™ technology for performing AF ablation.

Electrophysiology Studies

Procedures that require the insertion of an electrode catheter into the heart from veins in the leg and/or neck. Some electrophysiology studies are performed to diagnose abnormalities, while others are done to access the heart for treatment or correction of certain conditions.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)

A pacemaker or defibrillator that can assist a heart with weakened heart muscle and electrical conduction abnormalities. Used in combination with medical therapy, CRT plays an important role in heart failure management. Even though the heart walls may be weak, CRT synchronizes the heartbeat, restoring the heart’s mechanical sequence, helping the heart to work more efficiently,improving symptoms of heart failure.

Cardiac Defibrillator Implantation

Small electronic devices installed in the chest to treat patients who are at risk for sudden death from abnormally fast heart rhythms. Implantable cardiac defibrillators monitor the heart rhythm, stop dangerous, fast heart rhythms, and can also function as pacemakers.

Catheter Ablation

A procedure that eliminates small abnormal electrical circuts within the heart that are causing an arrhythmia. Catheter ablation removes the abnormal circuits or tissues that start and maintain abnormal, fast heart rhythms. Although there are several forms of catheter ablation, the two most common are radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation.

Contact Electrophysiology

Offices location:
2100 Webster Street #521
San Francisco, CA
Phone: 415-923-6500
Fax: 415-923-6505

California Pacific's Heart and Vascular Center

California Pacific's Heart and Vascular Center is supported by one of the best heart hospital/center networks in the USA, offering quality, comprehensive patient-centered cardiovascular care by a team of top heart surgeons and physicians with leading-edge technology. Serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco and Marin County, as well as the entire Northern California region, our team has many of the best cardiovascular surgeons and physicians in California and the United States.

Video: Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Ablation - Understand Causes, Symptoms, Treatment