Eli Simsolo, MD

Comparing Different Heart Rhythm Devices: Pacemakers, Leadless Pacemakers, and Loop Recorders Not all heart rhythm devices serve the same purpose. A traditional pacemaker, a leadless pacemaker, and an implantable loop recorder (ILR) are all implanted in the body to work with the heart, but their functions, sizes, and clinical uses differ considerably. Many patients researching these options find the terminology confusing, which makes sense given how often the descriptions overlap. Talking with a dedicated heart rhythm specialist early on can clear up much of that confusion before any decisions are made. At the Cardiac Electrophysiology Institute (CEPI), we walk patients through what each device actually does, whether it fits their specific situation, and what to expect during implantation and follow-up care. What These Devices Have in Common and Where They Differ All three devices are placed in a minimally invasive procedure. None requires opening the chest. All three are used i...

How Doctors in Los Angeles, CA Determine the Need for a Heart Rhythm Device Not every heart rhythm problem calls for a device. Some arrhythmias respond well to medication alone. Others point toward a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device as the most appropriate treatment. That decision rests on a specific set of clinical findings, not a general rule. At the Cardiac Electrophysiology Institute (CEPI), our top-rated electrophysiologist in Los Angeles evaluates each patient individually before recommending any device. Here’s how that process works and what leads a physician to recommend one type of device over another. What Is a Heart Rhythm Device? A heart rhythm device is an implanted piece of medical hardware designed to monitor the heart’s electrical activity and respond when something goes wrong. Different devices are built for different problems. A pacemaker monitors heart rate and delivers ...