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Cardiac procedures
Cardiac procedures in Melbourne
At Melbourne Cardiology Group, our specialists provide a comprehensive range of cardiac procedures across private and public hospitals in Melbourne.
We combine advanced diagnostic imaging and monitoring with expert interventional care to manage your heart health effectively. Our specialists use the latest interventional techniques and device implantations to treat arrhythmias and structural heart issues.
Cardiac procedures available through Melbourne Cardiology Group
Device implantation
Cardiac ablations
Diagnostic interventions
Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a device that is implanted in the body, that sends electrical signals to the heart, telling it to pump. The pacemaker comprises a battery (the generator), and an insulated wire (leads) that connect the generator to the heart muscle, where it is permanently anchored.
What is involved in a pacemaker implantation?
A pacemaker implantation generally takes about 1 hour. This is usually performed under local anaesthetic and general sedation. A small incision is made below the collar bone and the pacemaker generator is placed under the skin and fat layers. The leads enter a vein near the collar bone and are guided to the heart using an X-ray machine.
Patients routinely stay overnight following pacemaker implantation. The battery life of a pacemaker is about 5-10 years and the battery may be replaced when it runs out. Patients with a pacemaker will need routine follow-up to ensure the pacemaker is working properly.
When are pacemakers considered?
Pacemakers may be considered if the heart rate is too slow, in certain abnormal heart rhythm conditions when medications result in a slow heart rate, or in patients with heart failure who require a special pacemaker to help the heart pump better.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device that is implanted in the body, which can detect a dangerous heart rhythm and potentially deliver an electric shock to reset the heart rhythm.
An ICD also has the functions of a pacemaker. An ICD comprises a battery (the generator), and insulated wire (leads) that connect the generator to the heart muscle.
What is involved in an ICD implantation?
An ICD implantation generally takes about 1 hour. This is usually performed under local anaesthetic and general sedation. A small incision is made below the collar bone and the ICD generator is placed under the skin and fat layers. The leads enter a vein near the collar bone and are guided to the heart using an X-ray machine.
Patients routinely stay overnight following ICD implantation. The battery life of an ICD is about 5-8 years, depending on how often it delivers shocks, and the battery may be replaced when it runs out. Patients with an ICD will need routine follow-up to ensure the ICD is working properly.
When are ICDs considered?
ICDs may be considered in certain patients who have dangerous heart rhythms from the lower half of the heart (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation), and in patients who have certain heart conditions that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. If an abnormal heart rhythm is detected, a low- or high-energy shock is delivered to reset the heart back to normal rhythm.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy
Overview
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT), also known as biventricular pacing, is a specialized treatment designed to improve the heart's efficiency. Unlike a standard pacemaker that monitors one or two chambers, a CRT device coordinates the beating of both the left and right ventricles. By ensuring these chambers contract at the same time, the device helps the heart pump blood more effectively throughout the body.
What is CRT?
In many patients with heart failure, the walls of the main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) do not beat in sync. A CRT device uses three leads (wires) to send precisely timed electrical pulses to the heart muscle. This "resynchronisation" corrects the timing of the heart’s contractions, reducing the strain on the heart and helping to alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.
When is it Considered?
CRT is typically considered for patients who:
Have been diagnosed with heart failure or an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy).
Experience persistent symptoms despite being on optimal medical therapy.
Have an electrical "delay" or blockage (such as Left Bundle Branch Block) that causes the heart chambers to beat out of sync.
Have a low "ejection fraction," meaning the heart is not pumping a sufficient percentage of blood with each beat.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Cardiac Ablations
Overview
Cardiac ablation is a sophisticated, minimally invasive procedure used to treat heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) at their source. While medications can often manage symptoms, ablation aims to correct the underlying electrical issue by neutralising the specific area of heart tissue causing the irregular beats. This procedure is performed in a specialised laboratory (EP Lab) and offers a high success rate for restoring a normal, steady heart rhythm.
What is Cardiac Ablation?
During the procedure, a specialist electrophysiologist threads thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a vein (usually in the groin) up to the heart. Using advanced 3D mapping technology, the doctor identifies the precise "misfiring" cells. The tip of the catheter then delivers controlled energy—either heat (Radiofrequency Ablation) or strong electrical pulses (Pulse Field Ablation)—to create tiny scars. These scars block the abnormal electrical signals, effectively "rewiring" the heart’s timing system.
When is it Considered?
Cardiac ablation is typically considered for patients who:
Suffer from persistent arrhythmias such as Atrial Fibrillation (AF), SVT, or Atrial Flutter.
Find that heart rhythm medications are either ineffective or cause bothersome side effects.
Are at risk of serious complications from their arrhythmia, such as heart failure or stroke.
Prefer a long-term solution to reduce or eliminate the need for lifelong daily medication.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation
Overview
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) ablation is a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure designed to permanently cure rapid heart rate episodes originating above the heart's lower chambers. For many patients, SVT can cause sudden, frightening "racing" sensations that interrupt daily life. Ablation is often considered the gold-standard treatment because it addresses the physical cause of these episodes, often removing the need for long-term medication.
What is SVT Ablation?
The procedure involves an Electrophysiology (EP) study where fine catheters are guided into the heart to pinpoint the extra "short-circuit" or abnormal pathway causing the rapid heart rate. Once the exact location is identified, the electrophysiologist uses targeted energy (usually heat) to neutralise that tiny area of tissue. This breaks the electrical circuit, preventing the heart from being able to go into a racing rhythm again.
When is it Considered?
SVT ablation is typically considered for patients who:
Experience recurrent episodes of sudden, rapid heart palpitations that do not resolve on their own.
Find that vagal manoeuvres (like coughing or bearing down) or medications are no longer effective at stopping an episode.
Suffer from symptoms such as chest pain, light-headedness, or shortness of breath during an SVT attack.
Wish to achieve a permanent cure to avoid the side effects or inconvenience of daily preventative heart medication.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation
Overview
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) ablation is a specialised procedure used to treat the most common type of heart rhythm disorder, where the upper chambers of the heart quiver irregularly instead of beating effectively. Because AF can progress over time and increase the risk of stroke or heart failure, ablation is a proactive intervention designed to restore a stable, natural rhythm and improve overall quality of life.
What is AF Ablation?
In most cases of AF, the "misfiring" electrical signals originate from the pulmonary veins in the left atrium. During an ablation, an electrophysiologist uses a catheter to deliver controlled energy with heat (radiofrequency) or high voltage electrical pulses (pulse field ablation) to create a circular scar around these veins. This technique, known as Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI), creates an electrical "fence" that prevents abnormal signals from entering the heart and triggering an irregular rhythm.
When is it Considered?
AF ablation is typically considered for patients who:
Experience symptomatic AF episodes (palpitations, fatigue, or breathlessness) that interfere with daily activities.
Have Paroxysmal AF (episodes that come and go) or Persistent AF where rhythm-control medications have failed or caused side effects.
Are younger or earlier in their AF diagnosis, where restoring a normal rhythm has the highest chance of long-term success.
Wish to reduce their "AF burden" to protect their long-term heart muscle function and reduce the need for hospitalisations.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Ablation
Overview
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) ablation is a specialised procedure used to treat rapid, abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles). Because the ventricles are responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body, VT can be a more serious condition that requires precise intervention. Ablation aims to stabilise the heart’s rhythm by pinpointing and neutralising the specific area of heart muscle where these dangerous signals start.
What is VT Ablation?
Using advanced 3D electro-anatomical mapping, an electrophysiologist creates a highly detailed map of the ventricles to locate the "circuit" or scarred tissue causing the tachycardia. A catheter is then used to deliver targeted energy—typically radiofrequency heat—to the exact spot responsible for the malfunction. By creating a small area of scar tissue, the "short-circuit" is broken, preventing the heart from entering a life-threatening rapid rhythm.
When is it Considered?
VT ablation is typically considered for patients who:
Experience recurrent episodes of VT that cause symptoms like severe dizziness, chest pain, or fainting.
Have an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) that is frequently delivering shocks to stop dangerous rhythms.
Find that anti-arrhythmic medications are not effectively controlling their episodes or are causing significant side effects.
Have VT caused by structural heart disease or previous scarring (such as from a past heart attack) that requires a more permanent solution than medication alone.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Coronary Angiogram
Overview
A coronary angiogram is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to visualize the blood vessels of the heart with high precision. It is considered the "gold standard" for detecting blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. By providing a clear "road map" of your heart's circulation, this procedure allows your cardiologist to make accurate decisions about the best course of treatment for your heart health.
What is a Coronary Angiogram?
During the procedure, a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually through the wrist (radial artery) or sometimes the groin. Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is guided to the heart, where a special contrast dye is injected. As the dye flows through the arteries, a series of X-ray images (angiograms) are taken, revealing any areas where blood flow is restricted by plaque or clots.
When is it Considered?
A coronary angiogram is typically considered for patients who:
Experience chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or unexplained discomfort in the arms or jaw.
Have had an abnormal result on non-invasive tests, such as a Stress Echocardiogram or CT Calcium Score.
Are showing signs of coronary artery disease or heart valve problems that require further investigation.
Require urgent assessment during or following a suspected heart attack to identify and potentially treat blockages immediately.
Book with Dr Aravinda (Ari) Selvarajah
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Loop Recorder (ILR)
Overview
An Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) is a slim, discreet monitoring device used to capture your heart’s electrical activity over a long period. Roughly the size of a AAA battery or smaller, it is implanted just under the skin of the chest. Unlike standard monitors worn on the outside of the body for only a few days, a loop recorder can stay in place for up to four years, providing a continuous "safety net" for capturing rare or unpredictable heart events.
What is a Loop Recorder?
The device acts as a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) that automatically records your heart rhythm 24/7. It is designed to identify irregularities that a standard 24-hour Holter monitor might miss. When the device detects an abnormal rhythm, or when you manually trigger it using a small handheld activator during a "spell," the heart rhythm data is saved and can be remotely reviewed by your cardiologist.
When is it Considered?
A loop recorder is typically recommended for patients who:
Experience unexplained fainting (syncope) or severe dizziness where a heart rhythm cause is suspected.
Suffer from infrequent palpitations that do not occur often enough to be caught by short-term monitors.
Require long-term monitoring following a stroke to screen for hidden Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
Need to evaluate the effectiveness of specific heart rhythm medications or ablation procedures over time.
Book with Dr Ben Pang
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848