RMH Successfully Completes 100th Cardiac Ablation Case

Electrophysiologist Robert VerNooy, MD, and the electrophysiology team at the RMH Heart and Vascular Center successfully completed their 100th cardiac ablation procedure to correct abnormal heart rhythms on Aug. 10.

"We are fortunate to have this advanced level of heart care here in the Shenandoah Valley," said Dave Grembi, director, RMH Heart and Vascular Center. "We're proud of Dr. VerNooy and his team for achieving this major milestone, and for the high quality and compassionate patient care they deliver every day."

Dr. VerNooy, the first cardiac electrophysiologist to practice at RMH, joined the staff of Harrisonburg Medical Associates and the RMH Medical Staff in July 2010. Dr. VerNooy graduated from Colgate University and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, both in New York state. He completed an internal medicine residency and fellowships in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Virginia.

Electrophysiologists treat a variety of heart rhythm disorders, often performing state-of-the-art cardiac ablation procedures to correct heart rhythm disorders within the four chambers in the heart. Most cardiac ablations are performed as minimally invasive procedures using catheters. The catheters are typically inserted through a vein in the groin and threaded into the heart. Energy is directed through the catheter to correct structural or anatomic problems that cause rhythm problems. Cardiac ablation works by scarring or removing the dysfunctional heart tissue, Dr. VerNooy explained.

"I have a special interest in the management and treatment of atrial fibrillation, including the catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation," said Dr. VerNooy."The treatments available for people with heart rhythm problems continue to evolve, especially in the area of ablation treatment. For my patients and for me, it is very gratifying to see the immediate benefits that ablation can offer, which often include a potential cure for certain types of abnormal heart rhythms."

Dr. Vernooy also implants and manages the full spectrum of cardiac devices, including pacemakers, defibrillators, heart failure biventricular pacemaker/defibrillators, and implantable loop recorders.

Electrophysiology, along with 24/7 coronary intervention and cardiothoracic surgery, are services that were incorporated into the RMH Heart & Vascular Center over the past several years, noted Grembi. "With the addition of electrophysiology, we are able to offer a full array of services to meet the local and regional demand for comprehensive heart care," he said.

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