Heart & Vascular

Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Service

Request appointment
(415) 353-2554

The UCSF Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Service is known worldwide for expert evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of heart rhythm disorders. Cardiac electrophysiology – a subspecialty of cardiology that focuses on the heart's electrical activity – is a rapidly growing field on the forefront of efforts to find new treatments and cures for arrhythmias.

With a history of innovation, UCSF's electrophysiology service has played a leading role in the tremendous advances recently made in assessing and treating abnormal heart rhythms. In the 1980s, doctors at UCSF Medical Center pioneered the use of catheter ablation, a highly successful treatment to disrupt an abnormal electrical signal that is causing an arrhythmia. Today, we use this technique to resolve a variety of cardiac arrhythmias.

Our team of experienced electrophysiologists, nurses and technicians is devoted to the care of patients with abnormal heartbeats. We perform more than 900 procedures a year, including 400 catheter ablation procedures. This depth of experience creates the foundation for our efficiency and expertise.

Continue reading
 Our service also maintains a vigorous research program. Working with the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical or medical device companies, we carry out clinical trials – studies of experimental therapies that often lead to more effective treatments. Our patients who choose to participate in clinical trials can benefit from access to previously unknown therapies, devices or medications that may work better for them than the traditional options. In turn, our service's involvement in research and development enhances our ability to provide specialized and personalized care to our patients.
 

Doctor referral required

Our locations

Expand Map

    Conditions we treat

    Treatments we specialize in

    Our team

    Explore what we do

    New arrhythmia treatment allows for faster, safer recovery

    An innovative therapy being tested at UCSF uses targeted electrical pulses to treat atrial fibrillation (A-fib), reducing the risks and time of standard treatments.

    Read the story on ucsf.edu

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • One of the nation's best for heart & vascular surgery

    Decorative Caduceus

    Volunteers to Investigate Best Results for Ablation and Novel Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation

    Time to atrial fibrillation, after employing a 3-month blanking period. Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence includes patient-reported symptoms of AF or Kardia-based ECG evidence of AF.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    The MARY-JANE Cannabis and Heart Rhythm Trial

    Participants will be wearing a continuously recording ECG monitor for two weeks. The primary outcome will be change in premature atrial contraction (PAC) and PVC frequency due to cannabis consumption or avoidance during the monito...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Cryoablation for Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

    Events will be adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee (CEC). MAEs include any of the following: - Death - Acute myocardial infarction - Cardiac perforation/pericardial tamponade - Cerebral infarct ...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation?

    The number of patient's with AF and/or AFlutter recurrence following direct current electrical cardioversion will be compared

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    The Heart Rhythm Twins Study

    This will be measured using a wearable EKG monitor.

    Recruiting

    Support services

    ""
    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Cardiac Surgery Program

    See our two Bay Area locations and learn more about the program.

    M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Comprehensive Genetic Arrhythmia Program

    400 Parnassus Ave., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    (415) 353-2554

    San Mateo Primary and Specialty Care

    1100 Park Place, Suite 100
    San Mateo, CA 94403

    (415) 502-8950
    M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Do you need pediatric care?

    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

    Can't find what you're looking for?

    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273
    [email protected]

    Share