This sentiment echoed over and over again as Einstein Healthcare Network’s Overseers and Trustees, members of the Friends of Einstein Healthcare Network, Einstein leadership, and guests joined with Einstein’s Electrophysiology (EP) team to celebrate the opening of the new Electrophysiology Center for Excellence at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia this past summer. As guests entered through the protective doors to the usually restricted space, the “oohs” and “aahs” could be heard down the hallway. Greeted by the crystal-clear 3D imagery of blood flow in the human heart on multiple wide screen HD monitors throughout the room, visitors were audibly impressed.

The new electrophysiology lab features the most advanced fluoroscopy system in the country today, with high-definition 3D mapping system, intracardiac ultrasound, and unique technologies to integrate different imaging systems and streamline complex ablation procedures. The hybrid electrophysiology lab will not only expand the capacity of the program, but also allow the Electrophysiology Team to perform new, and unique procedures targeting atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other arrhythmias.

The audio and video capabilities will not only provide innovative cures and treatments for Einstein’s patients, but will also be used to educate other clinicians around the globe in Einstein methodologies.

Led by Sumeet K. Mainigi, MD, Interim Chair, Division of Cardiology, Einstein’s electrophysiology program is initiating new treatments for electrical heart issues. It has experienced tremendous growth over the last 10 years and has pioneered the use of new technologies, groundbreaking research, as well as novel and leading-edge procedures.

“With the opening of this space, Einstein now has the most advanced EP lab in the country,” states Mainigi. “This laboratory, and its various cutting-edge technologies, will allow us to pioneer even more approaches to treating and curing heart disease. Given the breakthroughs made in curing arrhythmias and heart disease at Einstein and elsewhere over the last 10 years, I can’t even imagine what the next 10 years will hold for the program and our patients.”

“This is amazing. Just incredible,” stated Bobbi Wasserman, President of The Friends of Einstein

Healthcare Network, as she congratulated the team and Allen Greenspan, MD, Director of Electrophysiology Emeritus, during the celebration. The new lab was made possible through generous support from Einstein’s 2017 Harvest Ball, the crown jewel of The Friends’ annual fundraising efforts. “The Friends are honored and thrilled to support this initiative and Einstein’s role as a leader in heart care,” she said. Wasserman toured the EP lab space prior to the renovation as part of the “White Coat” educational program available to Einstein Board members. Even with only one EP lab (which was supported by the 2006 Harvest Ball) Wasserman was undeniably impressed with the work of Greenspan, Mainigi and the EP team. Seeing the new space, Wasserman commented. “I hope I never have to have a procedure, but if I did, this is where I would want to be and who I would want to be with,” said Wasserman. Leading guests through the lab, Mainigi and Greenspan couldn’t help but beam with pride. “This lab is incredible and will allow us to do so much,” stated Greenspan as he showed leaders the control room which is equipped with the latest imaging technology as well as a 60-inch HD monitor.

Electrical problems of the heart, known as arrhythmias, are frequent and serious problems and are the largest cause of death in the United States. They are also the most common cause of preventable stroke. Einstein’s Electrophysiology (EP) Service provides revolutionary technologies to address these and other heart electrical problems, as well as treatments for heart failure and stroke reduction.

“When I joined Einstein 10 years ago,” shared Mainigi, “our goal was to grow our electrophysiology program. We succeeded, but we also maxed out our capacity. This new lab provides the technologies to support our multidisciplinary approach to treating electrical heart abnormalities and will allow us to provide life-saving care to more patients.”