Heart Rhythm Center - The University Of Kansas Hospital

THE RICHARD AND ANNETTE BLOCH
HEART RHYTHM CENTER
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HOSPITAL
Patients with heart rhythm disorders benefit from a
complete range of services at the Richard and Annette
Bloch Heart Rhythm Center. Our highly trained
electrophysiologists use advanced technology and the
latest care options to diagnose, manage and treat all
types of heart rhythm disorders.
For three consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report
has ranked our heart and heart surgery programs
among the best in the nation and first in Kansas City.
We currently rank third best in surgical mortality rates
among all hospitals in the nation. In addition, our heart
surgery program has earned the highest quality rating
from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Leaders in EP care
Our electrophysiologists are highly experienced in
diagnosing and treating all types of heart rhythm
disorders.They perform more than 1,600 procedures
each year, more than any other area hospital. In the first
few months of fiscal year 2010, total patient encounters
increased by more than 24 percent, compared to
the same period of 2009.
Our heart rhythm program has pioneered advanced
care for patients. Our physicians were first in the
region to implant a cardioverter defibrillator and later
to perform radiofrequency ablation using the
Stereotaxis Magnetic Navigation System.They were
also first to offer cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Comprehensive treatment options
Treatments range from lifestyle changes and drug
therapy to cardiac device implantation and minimally
invasive procedures, as well as surgery.
• Device implantation
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy uses a
biventricular pacemaker to improve the
contraction pattern of the heart’s lower
chambers for patients with heart failure.
• Pacemakers prevent the heart from beating
too slowly.
• Defibrillators restore a normal heart rhythm
for patients with ventricular tachycardia and
ventricular fibrillation, life-threatening fast heart
rhythms.
• Radiofrequency ablation – A catheter inserted
through a blood vessel into the heart delivers
radiofrequency energy, which destroys the small,
abnormal area of heart tissue that causes fast heart
rhythms.
• Extraction of chronic leads – For optimal
maintenance of implanted devices, we perform lead
extraction using advanced laser, mechanical and
electrodissection techniques.
• Surgical treatments – These include open heart
surgery and minimally invasive keyhole techniques.
Patients: 913.588.1227 | Physicians: 913.588.5862 | kumed.com/heartrhythm

Clinical research
As members of a premier academic medical center, our
specialists continually investigate new ways to improve
patient care. A few of these include:
• In collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and Texas
Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, we are studying the
role of Stereotaxis in treating ventricular tachycardia.
This technology is being used to improve the stability,
reach and maneuverability of ablation catheters.
• The hospital is one of five institutions chosen for a
study funded by the National Institutes of Health to
test a new generation of catheters for ablation of
atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and atrial
flutter.
• We are evaluating the effects of yoga on atrial
fibrillation.The Yoga My Heart study seeks to
determine whether yoga – which affects heart
rhythm through its influence on the central nervous
system – may provide a noninvasive, medication-free
treatment option.
• We are heading a multicenter study to examine ways
of reducing the risk of infection associated with
pacemaker and defibrillator procedures.
Advanced technology
Our physicians use the revolutionary Stereotaxis
Magnetic Navigation system to provide some of the
latest treatments for heart rhythm disorders.The
system’s magnetic field helps specialists guide a flexible,
magnetic-tipped catheter safely and accurately through
the body. Precise navigation and a soft, flexible catheter
allow physicians to reach areas of the heart that could
not be reached before.
Named after community leaders
Richard and Annette Bloch
Richard Bloch, co-founder of H&R Block, Inc., overcame
cancer twice in his life, but aggressive chemotherapy
treatment later caused heart problems. He received
cardiac care at The University of Kansas Hospital under
the direction of our heart rhythm specialists. In memory
of her late husband, Annette Bloch made a generous
contribution to the hospital’s Center for Advanced
Heart Care.Today, the Bloch center provides worldclass
care for patients with heart rhythm disorders.
If you wish to contribute to the hospital’s mission of
building the best heart care program in America,
contact Kevin Flattery, development director for
cardiovascular services, at 913.945.5726 or
kflattery@kumc.edu.
3901 RAINBOW BOULEVARD, KANSAS CITY, KANSAS 66160
FL38821110
Patients: 913.588.1227 | Physicians: 913.588.5862 | kumed.com/heartrhythm