Mercy Angiography Unit and Auckland Heart Group are pleased to report that the first private electrophysiology service in Auckland for investigation and treatment of cardiac rhythm problem has now been operating successfully for more than 18 months.

An EP study is the diagnostic test to identify the presence and mechanism of arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm) whereas RF Ablation or catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique that ablates (destroys) parts of the abnormal electrical pathway or circuit that is causing the arrhythmia.

During the study, electrode catheters (long, flexible wires) are inserted into blood vessels and positioned inside the heart. When the exact area to be  ablated is found, energy waves are sent through a special electrode catheter, which is placed near the problem pathway or circuit, to destroy (ablate) the problem cells.
Most health insurance companies cover these procedures. We are delighted to announce that Southern Cross Healthcare has now included EP/RFA procedures in our Affiliated Provider Programme; which means these procedures are funded for Southern Cross members.

 Drs David Heaven and Warren Smith are nationally and internationally recognised experts in this area.

Learn more about Electrophysiology (EP) and Radiofrequency Ablation