MHVI-Heart-And-Vascular-AFIB

Learn more about treatment options

Our AFib treatment goal is to get you back to living your normal, active life. Our cardiac specialists provide a comprehensive range of treatments, from medication through the most state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgeries. We will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan that may include the following:

Medication

Drugs are often prescribed to manage your risk of blood clots and control your heart rate. Medications such as beta blockers, anti-arrhythmic medicines, and calcium channel blockers are used to manage an irregular heartbeat.
Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a non-surgical, temporary procedure that converts your rapid heartbeat to a normal rhythm using electrical current or medication.
Cardiac ablation

Traditional cardiac ablation uses heat or cold to create scar tissue on the heart. It is recommended when medication and cardioversion aren’t effective. Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where a cardiac surgeon or electrophysiologist inserts a catheter in the groin and threads it through the arteries to the heart to deliver therapeutic energy to precise areas of the heart to destroy abnormal electrical activity. This procedure requires only a small bandage at the entry site to heal.
Convergent Hybrid AF™ Therapy for Long Term Persistent AFib

Convergent Hybrid AF™ Therapy is truly a breakthrough treatment option as this category of AFib patients has historically been challenging to treat. This is a minimally invasive, two-step ablation procedure that uses heat to stop the erratic electrical signals that cause AFib and restore normal heart rhythm. A cardiac surgeon performs the first procedure by making a small incision under the breastbone, to create access to the outside of the heart and then creates lesions (scarring) on the back walls of the heart. An electrophysiologist then gains access to the inside of the heart and blood vessels via a catheter inserted through an incision in groin, to deliver therapeutic energy to the areas of the heart to destroy abnormal electrical activity.

MedStar Health was the first healthcare system in the region to offer Hybrid AF™ Therapy, which is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for people who are coping with atrial fibrillation or AFib beyond 12 months. It has now become a first-line therapy for patients who have longstanding, persistent atrial fibrillation. Approximately 45% of AFib patients have long standing, persistent AFib, affecting more than 3.5 million people in the United States.
Pulsed Field ablation

Pulsed field ablation is a catheter-based, non-thermal technique that emits a series of high-intensity energy pulses to electroporate target cells rather than burn or freeze them. A cardiac electrophysiologist threads a thin tube called a catheter through the patient’s veins from the groin to the upper chamber of the heart. There, the instrument releases electromagnetic waves into the cardiac tissue responsible for AFib. By the process called electroporation, the waves make microscopic holes in the cell membrane so electrical impulses can’t go astray and cause AFib.

Patients usually rest in the hospital for a few hours and return home the same day. The best candidates for pulsed field ablation are patients whose AFib is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a brief event off fibrillation that lasts less than a week, and early persistent atrial fibrillation, when irregular heart rhythms last more than a week.

MedStar Health is the first health system to offer pulsed field ablation in the greater Washington, DC and Baltimore regions.

Click here to learn more about Pulsed Field Ablation
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) systems

MedStar Health physicians offer both the WATCHMAN™ and the Amulet™ devices which are designed to permanently reduce the risk of stroke by closing off the left atrial appendage (LAA) during a minimally invasive procedure. The LAA is the most common site where harmful blood clots form in patients with AFib.
Surgery

You may be a candidate for surgery if you do not respond to medical therapy or ablation. Surgery for atrial fibrillation is often performed with other heart surgery.

Treatment options for atrial fibrillation

Watch physicians discuss the symptoms, risks and advanced treatment options for AFib patients.
Facebook Live: Heart Rhythm Disorders

Watch the replay as we discussed arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) with Drs. Zayd Eldadah, Cyrus Hadadi, and Glenn Meininger.

Why patients choose us

Our MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute offers one of the highest volume heart rhythm programs in the country. Our experts include board-certified, nationally recognized arrhythmia specialists who work as a team that is driven by one goal: taking the best care of our patients.

Collaborating with hundreds of cardiac specialists throughout Maryland, DC, and Virginia, we are committed to creating a comprehensive, compassionate, and individualized treatment plan that is right for you.

Our 23 regional clinic sites located in the District of Columbia, Maryland and northern Virginia enable us to deliver world-class care, close to home.

MedStar Health is a nationally recognized leader in heart rhythm treatment innovation. In addition to Hybrid AF™ Convergent Therapy, our electrophysiologists are some of the first in the country to offer breakthrough therapies. They also participate in clinical trials which offer promise for new treatments in the future. To learn more, scroll down to the “Want to Know More?” section on this page and download the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute Capabilities, Performance and Outcomes report.

We welcome new patients and accept most health insurance.

" I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't discovered these doctors."

- Bernita and Natalie Faulkner, Waldorf and Oxon Hill, MD

The region’s most advanced heart rhythm program

We are proud to offer comprehensive, personalized heart rhythm care for every single one of our patients, close to home and work. We have 23 convenient locations in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia. High-volume experience and concentrated expertise, coupled with state-of-the art technology, are the hallmarks of this program.

Baltimore and Annapolis region
Michael Goldstein, MD
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Michael Goldstein, MD

Michael S. Goldstein, MD is a board certified electrophysiologist whose primary focus is clinical cardiac electrophysiology and heart rhythm management. He treats both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and ventricular tachycardia. He performs ablations as well as cardiac device implantation.

Dr. Goldstein delivers high-quality, patient-centric care through customized treatment plans based on the individual needs of his patients. His primary goal is to provide medical care with compassion and empathy.

Education:
Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pennsylvania Health System
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Cyrus Hadadi, MD
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Cyrus Hadadi, MD

Dr. Hadadi specializes in the evaluation and management of heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia. His clinical interests include special therapies such as epicardial catheter ablation for complex ventricular tachycardia, and developing new device-based interventional cardiac resynchronization therapies.

As Associate Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Research, Dr. Hadadi is pioneering the application of advanced analytic techniques to large, complex patient data sets to improve outcomes for MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute cardiac electrophysiology procedures.

Philosophy of Care:
“Patients are so much more than just a sum of cryptic medical diagnoses. They are beautiful human beings with luminous souls. At MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, we put the heart back in heart care by treating each person by always prioritizing their dignity, humanity and individuality. The trust that my patients place in me to address every aspect of their cardiac arrhythmia needs is what brings me to work every morning with a smile on my face.”

Education:
Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Fellowship: Geisinger Community Medical Center
Residency: Unviersity of Maryland Medical Center
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Richard Jones, MD
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Richard Jones, MD

Richard Paul Jones II, MD, is a board-eligible cardiac electrophysiologist practicing at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. He is board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine.

Dr. Jones treats all heart rhythm issues, including atrial arrhythmias, like PSVT, atrial flutters, and atrial fibrillation; and ventricular arrhythmias, like ventricular tachycardia. He performs ablation procedures for all heart rhythm issues, pacemaker and defibrillator implantations, and left atrial appendage closures with Watchman and Amulet.

Electrophysiology is a growing and dynamic field, and Dr. Jones is enthusiastic about new developments such as left bundle branch pacing and pulse field ablation for the treatment of arrhythmias. Dr. Jones performs left bundle area pacing and has participated in pulse-field ablation clinical trials.

He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society.

“The doctors we remember are those that we really connect with. A large part of what I do is to try to make those connections with my patients and their families. My role as an electrophysiologist is to guide my patients through their decisions around medical care. I treat my patients with the same level of care that I would provide my own family. I’m available for any and all electrophysiology referrals and look forward to collaborating with referring physicians.”

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
Rajiv Kabadi, MD
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Rajiv Kabadi, MD

Education:
Fellowship: Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Residency: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Medical School: New York Medical College

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Jay Mazel, MD
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Jay Mazel, MD

Dr. Jay Aaron Mazel, MD, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, as well as the previous Director of the Electrophysiology Lab at Washington Hospital Center. He focuses on treating patients with a range of cardiac conditions, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, and syncope.

To treat these conditions, Dr. Mazel commonly performs ablations for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia as well as implantation of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. Working with the latest technology, he also specializes in the implantation of a leadless pacemaker for bradycardia, as well as performing complex laser lead extractions and complex atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia operations.

Dr. Mazel’s clinical interests center on atrial fibrillation, including learning new techniques and approaches to improving the quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation and curing the condition. In his practice, he is passionate about identifying people whom he can protect from sudden cardiac death by choosing the correct preventive medications and treatments.

After receiving his medical degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center-Brooklyn, Dr. Mazel went on to complete his internal medicine residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Following a cardiology fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, he finalized his subspecialty training in electrophysiology at Yale New Haven Hospital. In 2000, he was the winner of the American College of Cardiology Young Investigators Award for his research on congenital complete heart block.

Philosophy of Care:
“I believe that education is the first step towards the best possible treatment. The more my patients understand about their conditions, the more empowered they are to make the best decisions for themselves and to follow through with the therapies. I like to spend a lot of time helping my patients understand their conditions and treatment options. I love what I do, and I love the dramatic changes to people’s lives that I’ve been able to make.”

Education:
Fellowship: Yale New Haven Hospital
Fellowship: University Hospital of Brooklyn-SUNY Health
Fellowship: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Residency: Long Isalnd Jewish Medical Center
Internship: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Medical School: SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
Glenn Meininger, MD
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Glenn Meininger, MD

Cardiac Electrophysiologist Glenn Meininger, MD, is the Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology Services for the Baltimore region of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He is board certified in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine.

Dr. Meininger specializes in treating patients with heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmia, and helps people manage arrhythmia using a variety of techniques, including catheter ablation, electrophysiology testing, pacemakers, defibrillators, medication, and lifestyle changes. Because heart-rhythm disorders often involve a number of contributing health factors, he takes the time to understand the cause of the problem, so he can recommend a treatment plan that addresses all health concerns a plan that improves his patients' quality of life.

With a degree in mechanical engineering, Dr. Meininger believes there's a natural overlap between engineering and the structure of the heart, which he sees as a sophisticated pump with an electrical regulator. He chose a career in medicine because it allowed him to focus on people, and he values the ability to make a positive difference in his patients' lives.

As a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland, he teaches medical students and residents in electrocardiography and arrhythmia interpretation. He participates in numerous studies in arrhythmia management and treatment and has contributed to more than 30 articles in leading medical journals. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society.

A former collegiate soccer player, Dr. Meininger enjoys participating in triathlons and watching his five children play sports.

Education:
Fellowship: John Hopkins Hospital
Residency: John Hopkins Hospital
Internship: John Hopkins Hospital
Medical School: John Hopkins University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Awards:

Baltimore Magazine Top Doc 2018-2020
John Shin, MD
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John Shin, MD

John Shin, MD, is a MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute attending clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. His practice locations include: MedStar Cardiology Associates at Annapolis, MedStar Cardiology Associates at Irving Street, and MedStar Cardiology Associates at Lafayette Centre. Before joining MedStar Health, Dr. Shin was an attending cardiologist/clinical cardiac electrophysiologist for 10 years with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, where he performed a high volume of procedures for complex cardiac arrhythmia issues. The procedures he performed include catheter-based ablation for ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atypical atrial arrhythmias, as well as lead extraction for complex lead management.

As a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist who is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and clinical cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Shin treats patients for all cardiac arrhythmia disorders (both common and complex), including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, bradyarrhythmia, and syncope. Dr. Shin performs implant procedures for patients who are candidates for devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. He also performs minimally invasive catheter-based ablation procedures.

Dr. Shin’s clinical interests include the management of complex arrhythmias and providing patient education – spending the appropriate amount of time with patients to help them understand their diagnosis and treatment options. He is passionate about providing patients who are candidates with device-based therapies to improve heart failure outcomes and ablation procedures to treat tachyarrhythmias that are symptom-limiting.

Dr. Shin received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He then joined the University of Chicago Medical Center for an internal medicine residency; a cardiology fellowship; and a two-year subspecialty cardiac electrophysiology fellowship, during which he served as Chief Fellow. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Philosophy of Care:
“My philosophy of care is guided by applying my experience to provide high-quality, empathetic, and comprehensive care while partnering with my patients to ensure they’re fully informed of their condition and treatment options.

“Being a doctor is more than helping patients treat a problem, it’s going back to the Latin root for doctor (docere) which means ‘to teach’. For me, doctoring is about partnering with my patients and educating them, so they have a comprehensive understanding of their condition and treatment options. When my patients walk out of an appointment, my goal is that they’ll walk out with a clear understanding of my professional opinion and treatment recommendations, and what it means in terms of their treatment goals.

“I feel honored when my patients say that they felt heard by me and that they feel comforted and cared for after their time with me. I am my patients’ number one advocate and always have their best interests at heart, even when difficult decisions are being made.”

Education:
Fellowship: University of Chicago Medical Center
Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Sunjeet Sidhu, MD
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Sunjeet Sidhu, MD

Sunjeet Sidhu, MD is a cardiac electrophysiologist practicing at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. He is board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine. Dr. Sidhu is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society.

Dr. Sidhu specializes in treating patients with a wide spectrum of heart rhythm disorders including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation (AFib), ventricular tachycardia (VT), bradycardia, and heart block. In addition, he also specializes in left atrial appendage occlusion with WATCHMAN and lead extraction. He has a particular interest in ablation for complex ventricular and atrial arrhythmias as well as lead extraction.

Dr. Sidhu has an interest in improving arrhythmia management. He has done research regarding ventricular arrhythmias and the interplay of the sympathetic nervous system with the heart. Dr. Sidhu will continue his research efforts with clinical trials for novel therapeutics for arrhythmias. He is interested in bringing the leading edge of medical technology to the art of patient care.

“I enter each and every patient interaction honored by the trust given to me, by my patients and their families, to heal them. I do not take this trust lightly. I view it as my paramount responsibility to do my utmost best to provide patients with care and comfort.”

“There is no one way to treat every patient; each patient is unique and requires thoughtful evaluation. I believe in shared decision-making and value communication with the patient, their family, and their doctors.”

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
Washington D.C. region
Walter Atiga, MD
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Walter Atiga, MD

Dr. Atiga’s expertise is in diagnosing and treating all types of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), and bradycardia. He also specializes in determining causes of syncope. To treat these conditions, he uses techniques such as catheter ablation without fluoroscopy, pacemaker implantation, and defibrillator implantation. Dr. Atiga also specializes in device therapy for orthostatic intolerance and is particularly interested in using devices to treat electromechanical cardiac dysfunction that can lead to heart failure.

Philosophy of Care:
“I treat each of my patients with compassion and respect, as though they are members of my family. Each patient requires a unique approach to their heart rhythm issues. A key part of this approach is listening to their needs and ensuring they fully understand their treatment options, so they can make the best healthcare decisions for their personal circumstances.”

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: National Heart
Residency: Loma Linda University Medical Center
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Sarfraz Durrani, MD
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Sarfraz Durrani, MD

Dr. Sarfraz K. Durrani, MD, is an attending electrophysiologist and Director of Technology and Innovation in the Heart Rhythm section at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He also sees patients at the MedStar Heart Institute in Fairfax as well as several non-MedStar hospitals in northern Virginia, where he represents MedStar. As an electrophysiology specialist, Dr. Durrani focuses on treating patients with arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, heart block, and stroke related to atrial fibrillation.

Treatments used by Dr. Durrani include performing cardiac ablation, implanting pacemakers and defibrillators for people with heart block or a life-threatening arrhythmia, and performing left atrial appendage occlusion using the Watchman device. He was the first physician in the DC area to perform epicardial ablation for ventricular tachycardia and to implant a Watchman device to close off part of the left atrium of the heart to prevent stroke. Dr. Durrani was also one of the first physicians in Virginia to perform cryoablation for atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Durrani is interested in improving treatment methods for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, including exploring new approaches to persistent, or chronic, atrial fibrillation. He is also interested in pursuing innovative options for ventricular tachycardia ablation. Dr. Durrani has been a part of several national, ongoing clinical trials.

After receiving his medical degree at Kashmir University Government Medical College in India, Dr. Durrani went on to complete a residency in internal medicine at Nassau University Medical Center, State University of New York - Stony Brook. After serving as Chief Resident, Dr. Durrani spent a year conducting genetics research at the Children’s National Medical Center on a fellowship from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He then continued his medical training with a cardiology fellowship at George Washington University Hospital and an electrophysiology fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.

Philosophy of Care:
“I’ll always work tirelessly in the interest of my patients, and I’ll be the best advocate for them. When I first see a patient, my starting point is to ask myself: ‘How would I approach this patient’s care if this were my family member?’ I put myself in the patient’s shoes to see it from their point of view and understand what decisions I can make that serve their interests best.”

Education:
Fellowship: Duke University Medical Center
Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship: George Washington University Hospital
Fellowship: Children’s National Medical Center
Fellowship: National Institutes of Health
Residency: Nassau University Medical Center
Residency: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Medical School: Kashmir University Government Medical College

Zayd Eldadah, MD
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Zayd Eldadah, MD

Zayd Eldadah, MD, PhD, is Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. Dr. Eldadah completed a medical degree, a PhD in Human Genetics, and a residency in internal medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He then stayed at Johns Hopkins to complete fellowships in clinical cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology before joining the faculty at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in 2004.

He has been certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society. As a cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Eldadah specializes in the treatment of heart rhythm conditions, and he employs therapies from very basic lifestyle management, such as structured diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques, to selective drug therapies when needed, and for more complex conditions, highly technology-driven treatments involving state-of-the-art pacemakers, defibrillators, and other cardiac rhythm management devices as well as catheter ablation techniques.

Dr. Eldadah's clinical interests include all aspects of heart rhythm care with a special focus on atrial fibrillation and the use of medical devices to improve quality of life. His research interests include improving existing technology and developing newer, more novel ways of understanding and curing heart rhythm problems. Dr. Eldadah's research also focuses on the role of human genetics in atrial fibrillation, the risk of sudden cardiac death, and other conditions of the heart and body.

Cardiac electrophysiology blends the art of personalized, highly individualized care with the power and promise of modern technology to make people better. Dr. Eldadah focuses on identifying the most effective and appropriate ways of approaching heart rhythm conditions through novel therapies as well as improvements to current technologies. His mission is to deliver the therapy of the future today and always to bring his patients the very best and latest advances that modern technology has developed.

Dr. Eldadah enjoys music, travel, spending time with his family, especially sports with his two sons, living a healthy lifestyle, and staying fit.

Philosophy of Care:
"Every individual human body has developed within a unique set of circumstances, genetics, and environmental influences. Because each patient is an individual, we cannot be effective caregivers if we use a one-size-fits-all strategy to deliver care. Rather, we must understand as much as we can about each individual and craft a care plan that is respectful, thoughtful, scientifically sound, and humane. We must always balance risks and benefits in a way that maximizes the good we can bring to our patients, who have placed their trust in us to achieve exactly this."

"Medicine is evolving constantly and rapidly, and what we understand today will almost certainly be modified in the near future. It is my intention always to offer patients the very best, state-of-the-art care and to ensure that every decision we make is a mutual one—one rooted in evidence, experience, and careful thought. My patients are the reason I come to work every day, and no reward is greater than seeing them get better and resume their lives to the fullest."

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Margaret Fischer, MD
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Margaret Fischer, MD

Margaret "Marty" Bell Fischer, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and pediatric cardiology and is Director of the Congenital and Structural Arrhythmia Program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She specializes in adult and pediatric cardiac electrophysiology with a specialized focus on adult congenital heart disease and patients with inherited rhythm disturbances.

Dr. Fischer received her medical degree from the University of Toledo. She then completed her residency program at St. Louis University/Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, a fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital/Texas Heart Institute and a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. She had visiting fellowships at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London and Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

Her clinical interests include adult congenital heart disease, cardiac anomalies in previous surgeries, and inherited arrhythmia disorders. Her research interests include multi-center trials for new catheter techniques, using different types of catheters, and improving the technology of implant devices.

Dr. Fischer is an advocate for the recognition of an underserved population of adults with congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease is severely under-identified in adults. With knowledge of previously diagnosed conditions and past surgeries, Dr. Fischer's skill set allows her to properly care for adults with congenital heart disease. She is also an advocate for the improvement of the use of remote heart monitoring devices. Dr. Fischer hopes to provide more patients with the advantages of remote monitoring through education for both patients and referring physicians.

After a few years of caring for patients in remote communities in Pennsylvania, Dr. Fischer grew passionate about community outreach and education. She realized that a large population of the rural United States is not receiving adequate care. Her goal is to generate community outreach opportunities, in order to ensure that both patients, as well as referring physicians, know what options can be available to them. In her free time, Dr. Fischer dedicates herself to her passion of dressage.

"I am my patient's best advocate. My aim is to generate a collaborative effort with my patients in order to get them involved in the decisions we make about their treatment. Through building a strong relationship with my patients, I hope to gain their trust and become a person that they feel comfortable opening up to, without fear of judgment or ridicule."

It is important to me to educate patients thoroughly, or as much as possible, and to be accessible when needed. When I'm with a patient, this individual is the focus of all of my attention. My goal is to improve quality of life as well as my patient's longevity.

Education:
Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: St. Louis University Hospital
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology

Cyrus Hadadi, MD
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Cyrus Hadadi, MD

Dr. Hadadi specializes in the evaluation and management of heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia. His clinical interests include special therapies such as epicardial catheter ablation for complex ventricular tachycardia, and developing new device-based interventional cardiac resynchronization therapies.

As Associate Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Research, Dr. Hadadi is pioneering the application of advanced analytic techniques to large, complex patient data sets to improve outcomes for MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute cardiac electrophysiology procedures.

Philosophy of Care:
“Patients are so much more than just a sum of cryptic medical diagnoses. They are beautiful human beings with luminous souls. At MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, we put the heart back in heart care by treating each person by always prioritizing their dignity, humanity and individuality. The trust that my patients place in me to address every aspect of their cardiac arrhythmia needs is what brings me to work every morning with a smile on my face.”

Education:
Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Fellowship: Geisinger Community Medical Center
Residency: Unviersity of Maryland Medical Center
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Rajiv Kabadi, MD
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Rajiv Kabadi, MD

Rajiv A. Kabadi, MD, MS, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. and MedStar Health in Reston. Dr. Kabadi specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) and other electrical issues of the heart.

Dr. Kabadi's clinical expertise includes the entire gamut of clinical electrophysiology, which encompasses treating all types of slow and fast heart rhythm disturbances. When working with patients, Dr. Kabadi emphasizes clear communication, using plain English to describe the diagnosis and treatment plan.

His research interests include mapping and ablation of complex arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, novel cardiac pacing techniques, and ablation using hybrid approaches for supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias.

In his free time, Dr. Kabadi enjoys being with his family, traveling, exercising, and exploring the many international cuisines in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

"Our patients place an incalculable level of trust in their healthcare providers, which is why I treat each one the way I would my own family members. My goal is to leave my patients and their loved ones with a clear understanding of their personalized treatment plans."

Education:
Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Residency: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Medical School: New York Medical College

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Sung Lee, MD
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Sung Lee, MD

Dr. Sung Woo Lee, MD, is the Director of the Electrophysiology Service at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, the Research Lead for Electrophysiology at the MedStar Cardiovascular Research Network, and an associate professor at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Medical School. As a physician specializing in cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Lee treats patients with a full range of heart rhythm problems, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

For patients with arrhythmia, Dr. Lee’s treatment approach is a patient focused comprehensive approach from prevention and risk factor modification to interventional procedures including catheter based ablations to destroy abnormal heart tissues that are responsible for rhythm problems and implantation of heart rhythm devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators.

Dr. Lee’s primary research interest is improving the treatment of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common problem he sees in clinical practice. He is currently exploring ways to enhance the success rate of the ablation procedure using alternative and novel approaches using the currently available devices and new investigational devices. Dr. Lee is working on a number of national, multicenter clinical trials.

After receiving his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Dr. Lee went on to complete an internal medicine residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Lee spent three years at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a research fellow, where he conducted research on molecular biology and gene therapy for treating cardiovascular disease. Dr. Lee, then, continued his medical training with a cardiology fellowship and electrophysiology subspecialty fellowship at George Washington University Hospital. Dr. Lee also spent ten years as a faculty member at George Washington Medical School, where he was the director of cardiac electrophysiology program. Dr. Lee also has been involved in training the cardiac electrophysiology fellows for over twenty years.

“I believe that well informed patients who are involved in their care have the best outcome. I work with my patients and their families. I value their opinions and want them to feel very comfortable in asking questions. I want to deliver the best available state-of-the-art clinical care in a compassionate and personalized way.”

Education:
Fellowship: George Washington University Hospital
Residency: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Jay Mazel, MD
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Jay Mazel, MD

Dr. Jay Aaron Mazel, MD, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, as well as the previous Director of the Electrophysiology Lab at Washington Hospital Center. He focuses on treating patients with a range of cardiac conditions, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, and syncope.

To treat these conditions, Dr. Mazel commonly performs ablations for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia as well as implantation of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. Working with the latest technology, he also specializes in the implantation of a leadless pacemaker for bradycardia, as well as performing complex laser lead extractions and complex atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia operations.

Dr. Mazel’s clinical interests center on atrial fibrillation, including learning new techniques and approaches to improving the quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation and curing the condition. In his practice, he is passionate about identifying people whom he can protect from sudden cardiac death by choosing the correct preventive medications and treatments.

After receiving his medical degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center-Brooklyn, Dr. Mazel went on to complete his internal medicine residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Following a cardiology fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, he finalized his subspecialty training in electrophysiology at Yale New Haven Hospital. In 2000, he was the winner of the American College of Cardiology Young Investigators Award for his research on congenital complete heart block.

Philosophy of Care:
“I believe that education is the first step towards the best possible treatment. The more my patients understand about their conditions, the more empowered they are to make the best decisions for themselves and to follow through with the therapies. I like to spend a lot of time helping my patients understand their conditions and treatment options. I love what I do, and I love the dramatic changes to people’s lives that I’ve been able to make.”

Education:
Fellowship: Yale New Haven Hospital
Fellowship: University Hospital of Brooklyn-SUNY Health
Fellowship: SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Residency: Long Isalnd Jewish Medical Center
Internship: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Medical School: SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Susan O'Donoghue, MD
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Susan O'Donoghue, MD

Dr. Susan O'Donoghue is a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She has served in leadership roles, including Associate Director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Director of the Combined Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program. Currently, she is the Director of Cardiogenetic Services at MedStar Washington, a program she developed to diagnose and treat inherited cardiac disorders. Dr. O'Donoghue has been providing exceptional patient care for over 25 years.

Dr. O'Donoghue is an active member of the Washington Electrophysiologic Society, Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). She has contributed to numerous textbook chapters and journal articles.

She specializes in treating heart rhythm disorders using electrophysiologic studies, catheter ablation procedures, and devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). She is also conducting research on the energy present on the skin surface when an internal defibrillator fires.

Dr. O'Donoghue graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut’s Honors Program, earned her medical degree from Georgetown University, and completed her internship and residency at Emory University. She also completed fellowships in cardiology at Emory and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and in electrophysiology and pacing at MedStar Washington.

Philosophy of Care:
"From a young age, I volunteered at a nursing home, which led to my decision to become a physician. I strive to provide my patients with the best possible care, giving each individual my full attention and a unique approach to their diagnosis and treatment. I pride myself on being an empathetic listener and on maintaining clear communication with referring physicians."

Education:
Fellowship: Washington Hospital Center
Residency: Emory University Hospital-GME
Medical School: Georgetown University
Undergraduate: University of Connecticut

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
Edward Platia, MD
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Edward Platia, MD

Edward V. Platia, MD, is a cardiologist specializing in cardiac electrophysiology at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and professor of Medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine.

He was raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, graduating first in his class of 600 from Easton Area High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Lafayette College, graduating first in his engineering class. Obtaining his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University, he completed his residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Stanford University Medical Center, followed by a cardiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins, training with Dr. Michel Mirowski, inventor of the implantable defibrillator, and Dr. Morton Mower, inventor of the biventricular (CRT) pacemaker. He remained on the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine faculty for several years and was director of the cardiac electrophysiology laboratory before coming to MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

His clinical practice, research interests and publications, which include the textbook Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias, have been in the field of cardiac arrhythmias. He is vice president of the international credentialing board of cardiac electrophysiology specialists, International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE).

Practice Focus:

Cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac electrophysiology

Cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, including laser explantation

Catheter ablation of arrhythmias

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Residency: Stanford University Hospital California
Internship: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners
Manish Shah, MD
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Manish Shah, MD

Manish Shah, MD, is the Program Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Training at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, as part of MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He is board certified in cardiac electrophysiology, as well as cardiovascular disease, and is a recipient of the general cardiology faculty teaching award at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Dr. Shah specializes in the management of slow and fast heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia. He has special expertise in complex ablation procedures to treat atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and ventricular tachycardia. Additionally, he is the leading implanter of left atrial appendage closure devices (also known as the WATCHMAN device) in the mid-Atlantic region. He is a national and international proctor for left atrial appendage closure for stroke risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation. His research interests include the use of catheter ablation techniques to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation and optimizing implantation of left atrial appendage closure devices.

Dr. Shah received his biomedical engineering and medical degrees from Case Western Reserve University. He earned several academic distinctions, including induction into the AOA Honor Medical Society and the Howard Hughes Medical Fellowship. He subsequently completed his internal medicine residency at Harvard Medical School's Brigham and Women's Hospital. He then went on to complete a fellowship program in general cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he stayed to complete an advanced fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology as chief fellow.

When not advocating cutting-edge care for his patients, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with his two children.

Philosophy of Care:
"Honesty, transparency, clear communication and patient education are the pillars of my practice. Your good health is my personal responsibility, and I strive to be accessible, compassionate and on the vanguard of new medical technology."

The focus of my initial consultation is patient education through the use of clear and simple language so that you can make informed decisions that serve you best. If you require an electrophysiologic procedure, we have a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses who will provide you with comfort, reassurance, and world-class, cardiac care."

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

John Shin, MD
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John Shin, MD

John Shin, MD, is a MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute attending clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. His practice locations include: MedStar Cardiology Associates at Annapolis, MedStar Cardiology Associates at Irving Street, and MedStar Cardiology Associates at Lafayette Centre. Before joining MedStar Health, Dr. Shin was an attending cardiologist/clinical cardiac electrophysiologist for 10 years with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, where he performed a high volume of procedures for complex cardiac arrhythmia issues. The procedures he performed include catheter-based ablation for ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atypical atrial arrhythmias, as well as lead extraction for complex lead management.

As a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist who is board-certified in cardiovascular disease and clinical cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Shin treats patients for all cardiac arrhythmia disorders (both common and complex), including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, bradyarrhythmia, and syncope. Dr. Shin performs implant procedures for patients who are candidates for devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. He also performs minimally invasive catheter-based ablation procedures.

Dr. Shin’s clinical interests include the management of complex arrhythmias and providing patient education – spending the appropriate amount of time with patients to help them understand their diagnosis and treatment options. He is passionate about providing patients who are candidates with device-based therapies to improve heart failure outcomes and ablation procedures to treat tachyarrhythmias that are symptom-limiting.

Dr. Shin received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He then joined the University of Chicago Medical Center for an internal medicine residency; a cardiology fellowship; and a two-year subspecialty cardiac electrophysiology fellowship, during which he served as Chief Fellow. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Philosophy of Care:
“My philosophy of care is guided by applying my experience to provide high-quality, empathetic, and comprehensive care while partnering with my patients to ensure they’re fully informed of their condition and treatment options.

“Being a doctor is more than helping patients treat a problem, it’s going back to the Latin root for doctor (docere) which means ‘to teach’. For me, doctoring is about partnering with my patients and educating them, so they have a comprehensive understanding of their condition and treatment options. When my patients walk out of an appointment, my goal is that they’ll walk out with a clear understanding of my professional opinion and treatment recommendations, and what it means in terms of their treatment goals.

“I feel honored when my patients say that they felt heard by me and that they feel comforted and cared for after their time with me. I am my patients’ number one advocate and always have their best interests at heart, even when difficult decisions are being made.”

Education:
Fellowship: University of Chicago Medical Center
Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
David Strouse, MD
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David Strouse, MD

Dr. David A. Strouse, MD, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. In addition to seeing patients, he also serves as the Chief of Complex Ablation and Chief of Virginia Outreach Programs for the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. As a cardiac electrophysiology specialist, Dr. Strouse focuses on understanding and treating abnormal electrical heart activity, including conditions like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, tachycardia, and bradycardia.

Procedures and services performed by Dr. Strouse include complex catheter-based ablations of all cardiac arrhythmias, epicardial ablation, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, the WATCHMAN procedure, heart rhythm device implantation, genetic counseling for heart conditions, and managing the treatment of genetic heart conditions.

Dr. Strouse has collaborated in over 45 studies and trials related to electrophysiology, including novel ablation techniques and new modalities of pacing. He is particularly interested in new techniques for ablation in treating complex arrhythmias. Clinically, his goal is to always be at the cutting edge of cardiac electrophysiology treatments, performing the most sophisticated procedures and using the newest technologies available.

Dr. Strouse received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he conducted research in pathophysiology. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals and then completed a fellowship in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology at New York University Medical Center.

Philosophy of Care:
"My goal is to always be the patient’s advocate, be responsive to questions, and think of the patient as a member of my family. My treatment recommendations always consider the patient’s needs and circumstances first."

Education:
Fellowship: New York University Medical Center
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals
Internship: Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Athanasios Thomaides, MD
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Athanasios Thomaides, MD

Athanasios Thomaides, MD, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute.

He is certified in cardiovascular disease and clinical cardiac electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS).

Dr. Thomaides received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles. He then worked for two years in clinical research at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas prior to attending medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed his internal medicine residency at Indiana University School of Medicine and his cardiology fellowship at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He continued his training in Washington, D.C. where he completed a cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at MedStar Health/Georgetown-Washington Hospital Center.

Upon completion of his training in 2015, Dr. Thomaides joined the faculty at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. He evaluates and treats patients at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Additionally, he serves as the Associate Program Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship training program, as Associate Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and as Director of Electrophysiology Quality and Safety.

As a cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Thomaides specializes in heart rhythm disorders. These conditions include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF), atrioventricular block (AV or complete heart block), sinus node dysfunction, and syncope, among others. Treatment approaches vary, and may include pharmacologic agents and/or minimally invasive procedures when necessary. Dr. Thomaides performs a broad range of procedures including catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and SVT. He implants permanent pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as cardiac physiologic pacing systems (CRT and conduction system pacing) to treat patients with congestive heart failure. He also specializes in leadless pacemaker technologies as well as extravascular device implantation (EV ICD). He is an expert and leader at MedStar Health in laser lead extraction, a procedure that involves removing old pacemaker or defibrillator leads using laser technology.

Dr. Thomaides participates in several electrophysiology research projects at MedStar Health. He serves as the principal investigator and sub-investigator in national and international clinical studies testing new ablative modalities, among other research projects. He is the recipient of industry grants that support his research.

Dr. Thomaides was born in New Jersey and was raised in Greece. He returned to the United States during his teenage years to finish high school and pursue further education. He currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, a pediatrician, and their children. In their spare time, they enjoy cooking, traveling, staying fit, and spending time with close family and friends.

Philosophy of Care:
“Every patient is unique and requires a thoughtful and individualized approach in order to improve their health and quality of life. I spend time with my patients and their families to truly understand their clinical scenario as well as their personal beliefs and perspectives. Together, we come up with a personalized treatment plan at the time of consultation.

The Cardiac Electrophysiology Section at MedStar Health is a center of excellence. We have grown with the community and with the latest technological advances to provide exceptional care for our patients. Our cardiac team is comprised of many dedicated professionals - cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, technologists, and industry vendors; and we all work together with our patients as a team to achieve the best outcomes.

Although heart rhythm conditions can often be complex and challenging, here at MedStar Health, we are with you every step of the way.”

Education:
Residency: Temple University Hopsital
Indiana University School of Medicine
Medical School: University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Apostolos Tsimploulis, MD
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Apostolos Tsimploulis, MD

Apostolos Tsimploulis, MD, is a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes in the management of the full spectrum of heart rhythm conditions, especially complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Dr. Tsimploulis sees patients at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is quadruple board-certified in: internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, and echocardiography.

Dr. Tsimploulis treats atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus node dysfunction, atrioventricular block, syncope, and other heart rhythm conditions.

He performs a broad range of procedures, including catheter ablation, implantation of defibrillators (both traditional and subcutaneous), pacemakers (both traditional and leadless), cardiac resynchronization as well as conduction system devices, and cardiac monitors. He also has specialized expertise in lead extraction, a procedure in which old pacemaker or defibrillator systems are removed from the body using mechanical tools or laser technology.

Dr. Tsimploulis is an active researcher whose work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international symposia.

Philosophy of Care:
“Every day, I strive to remember that patients entrust us with what is most precious—their health—and also to appreciate how the healthcare experience can be an unexpected, life-changing, and concerning one. I therefore aspire to treat every individual as a whole person and to promote a supportive environment where every patient is heard, respected, understood, and is offered the safest and highest quality care.”

Education:
Fellowship: Georgetown University Hospital
Fellowship: Stony Brook Medicine
Residency: MedStar-Georgetown University Hospital GME
Residency: General Hospital of Larissa
Medical School: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Faculty of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease
Northern Virginia

Walter Atiga, MD
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Walter Atiga, MD

Dr. Atiga’s expertise is in diagnosing and treating all types of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), and bradycardia. He also specializes in determining causes of syncope. To treat these conditions, he uses techniques such as catheter ablation without fluoroscopy, pacemaker implantation, and defibrillator implantation. Dr. Atiga also specializes in device therapy for orthostatic intolerance and is particularly interested in using devices to treat electromechanical cardiac dysfunction that can lead to heart failure.

Philosophy of Care:
“I treat each of my patients with compassion and respect, as though they are members of my family. Each patient requires a unique approach to their heart rhythm issues. A key part of this approach is listening to their needs and ensuring they fully understand their treatment options, so they can make the best healthcare decisions for their personal circumstances.”

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: National Heart
Residency: Loma Linda University Medical Center
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Sarfraz Durrani, MD
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Sarfraz Durrani, MD

Dr. Sarfraz K. Durrani, MD, is an attending electrophysiologist and Director of Technology and Innovation in the Heart Rhythm section at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He also sees patients at the MedStar Heart Institute in Fairfax as well as several non-MedStar hospitals in northern Virginia, where he represents MedStar. As an electrophysiology specialist, Dr. Durrani focuses on treating patients with arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, heart block, and stroke related to atrial fibrillation.

Treatments used by Dr. Durrani include performing cardiac ablation, implanting pacemakers and defibrillators for people with heart block or a life-threatening arrhythmia, and performing left atrial appendage occlusion using the Watchman device. He was the first physician in the DC area to perform epicardial ablation for ventricular tachycardia and to implant a Watchman device to close off part of the left atrium of the heart to prevent stroke. Dr. Durrani was also one of the first physicians in Virginia to perform cryoablation for atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Durrani is interested in improving treatment methods for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, including exploring new approaches to persistent, or chronic, atrial fibrillation. He is also interested in pursuing innovative options for ventricular tachycardia ablation. Dr. Durrani has been a part of several national, ongoing clinical trials.

After receiving his medical degree at Kashmir University Government Medical College in India, Dr. Durrani went on to complete a residency in internal medicine at Nassau University Medical Center, State University of New York - Stony Brook. After serving as Chief Resident, Dr. Durrani spent a year conducting genetics research at the Children’s National Medical Center on a fellowship from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He then continued his medical training with a cardiology fellowship at George Washington University Hospital and an electrophysiology fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.

Philosophy of Care:
“I’ll always work tirelessly in the interest of my patients, and I’ll be the best advocate for them. When I first see a patient, my starting point is to ask myself: ‘How would I approach this patient’s care if this were my family member?’ I put myself in the patient’s shoes to see it from their point of view and understand what decisions I can make that serve their interests best.”

Education:
Fellowship: Duke University Medical Center
Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship: George Washington University Hospital
Fellowship: Children’s National Medical Center
Fellowship: National Institutes of Health
Residency: Nassau University Medical Center
Residency: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Medical School: Kashmir University Government Medical College

Zayd Eldadah, MD
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Zayd Eldadah, MD

Zayd Eldadah, MD, PhD, is Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. Dr. Eldadah completed a medical degree, a PhD in Human Genetics, and a residency in internal medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He then stayed at Johns Hopkins to complete fellowships in clinical cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology before joining the faculty at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in 2004.

He has been certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac electrophysiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society. As a cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Eldadah specializes in the treatment of heart rhythm conditions, and he employs therapies from very basic lifestyle management, such as structured diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques, to selective drug therapies when needed, and for more complex conditions, highly technology-driven treatments involving state-of-the-art pacemakers, defibrillators, and other cardiac rhythm management devices as well as catheter ablation techniques.

Dr. Eldadah's clinical interests include all aspects of heart rhythm care with a special focus on atrial fibrillation and the use of medical devices to improve quality of life. His research interests include improving existing technology and developing newer, more novel ways of understanding and curing heart rhythm problems. Dr. Eldadah's research also focuses on the role of human genetics in atrial fibrillation, the risk of sudden cardiac death, and other conditions of the heart and body.

Cardiac electrophysiology blends the art of personalized, highly individualized care with the power and promise of modern technology to make people better. Dr. Eldadah focuses on identifying the most effective and appropriate ways of approaching heart rhythm conditions through novel therapies as well as improvements to current technologies. His mission is to deliver the therapy of the future today and always to bring his patients the very best and latest advances that modern technology has developed.

Dr. Eldadah enjoys music, travel, spending time with his family, especially sports with his two sons, living a healthy lifestyle, and staying fit.

Philosophy of Care:
"Every individual human body has developed within a unique set of circumstances, genetics, and environmental influences. Because each patient is an individual, we cannot be effective caregivers if we use a one-size-fits-all strategy to deliver care. Rather, we must understand as much as we can about each individual and craft a care plan that is respectful, thoughtful, scientifically sound, and humane. We must always balance risks and benefits in a way that maximizes the good we can bring to our patients, who have placed their trust in us to achieve exactly this."

"Medicine is evolving constantly and rapidly, and what we understand today will almost certainly be modified in the near future. It is my intention always to offer patients the very best, state-of-the-art care and to ensure that every decision we make is a mutual one—one rooted in evidence, experience, and careful thought. My patients are the reason I come to work every day, and no reward is greater than seeing them get better and resume their lives to the fullest."

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Margaret Fischer, MD
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Margaret Fischer, MD

Margaret "Marty" Bell Fischer, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and pediatric cardiology and is Director of the Congenital and Structural Arrhythmia Program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She specializes in adult and pediatric cardiac electrophysiology with a specialized focus on adult congenital heart disease and patients with inherited rhythm disturbances.

Dr. Fischer received her medical degree from the University of Toledo. She then completed her residency program at St. Louis University/Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, a fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital/Texas Heart Institute and a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. She had visiting fellowships at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London and Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

Her clinical interests include adult congenital heart disease, cardiac anomalies in previous surgeries, and inherited arrhythmia disorders. Her research interests include multi-center trials for new catheter techniques, using different types of catheters, and improving the technology of implant devices.

Dr. Fischer is an advocate for the recognition of an underserved population of adults with congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease is severely under-identified in adults. With knowledge of previously diagnosed conditions and past surgeries, Dr. Fischer's skill set allows her to properly care for adults with congenital heart disease. She is also an advocate for the improvement of the use of remote heart monitoring devices. Dr. Fischer hopes to provide more patients with the advantages of remote monitoring through education for both patients and referring physicians.

After a few years of caring for patients in remote communities in Pennsylvania, Dr. Fischer grew passionate about community outreach and education. She realized that a large population of the rural United States is not receiving adequate care. Her goal is to generate community outreach opportunities, in order to ensure that both patients, as well as referring physicians, know what options can be available to them. In her free time, Dr. Fischer dedicates herself to her passion of dressage.

"I am my patient's best advocate. My aim is to generate a collaborative effort with my patients in order to get them involved in the decisions we make about their treatment. Through building a strong relationship with my patients, I hope to gain their trust and become a person that they feel comfortable opening up to, without fear of judgment or ridicule."

It is important to me to educate patients thoroughly, or as much as possible, and to be accessible when needed. When I'm with a patient, this individual is the focus of all of my attention. My goal is to improve quality of life as well as my patient's longevity.

Education:
Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: St. Louis University Hospital
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology

Rajiv Kabadi, MD
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Rajiv Kabadi, MD

Education:
Fellowship: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Residency: Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Medical School: New York Medical College

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Manish Shah, MD
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Manish Shah, MD

Manish Shah, MD, is the Program Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Training at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, as part of MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute. He is board certified in cardiac electrophysiology, as well as cardiovascular disease, and is a recipient of the general cardiology faculty teaching award at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Dr. Shah specializes in the management of slow and fast heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia. He has special expertise in complex ablation procedures to treat atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and ventricular tachycardia. Additionally, he is the leading implanter of left atrial appendage closure devices (also known as the WATCHMAN device) in the mid-Atlantic region. He is a national and international proctor for left atrial appendage closure for stroke risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation. His research interests include the use of catheter ablation techniques to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation and optimizing implantation of left atrial appendage closure devices.

Dr. Shah received his biomedical engineering and medical degrees from Case Western Reserve University. He earned several academic distinctions, including induction into the AOA Honor Medical Society and the Howard Hughes Medical Fellowship. He subsequently completed his internal medicine residency at Harvard Medical School's Brigham and Women's Hospital. He then went on to complete a fellowship program in general cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he stayed to complete an advanced fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology as chief fellow.

When not advocating cutting-edge care for his patients, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with his two children.

Philosophy of Care:
"Honesty, transparency, clear communication and patient education are the pillars of my practice. Your good health is my personal responsibility, and I strive to be accessible, compassionate and on the vanguard of new medical technology."

The focus of my initial consultation is patient education through the use of clear and simple language so that you can make informed decisions that serve you best. If you require an electrophysiologic procedure, we have a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses who will provide you with comfort, reassurance, and world-class, cardiac care."

Education:
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: Brigham and Women's Hospital
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

David Strouse, MD
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David Strouse, MD

Dr. David A. Strouse, MD, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. In addition to seeing patients, he also serves as the Chief of Complex Ablation and Chief of Virginia Outreach Programs for the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute. As a cardiac electrophysiology specialist, Dr. Strouse focuses on understanding and treating abnormal electrical heart activity, including conditions like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, tachycardia, and bradycardia.

Procedures and services performed by Dr. Strouse include complex catheter-based ablations of all cardiac arrhythmias, epicardial ablation, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, the WATCHMAN procedure, heart rhythm device implantation, genetic counseling for heart conditions, and managing the treatment of genetic heart conditions.

Dr. Strouse has collaborated in over 45 studies and trials related to electrophysiology, including novel ablation techniques and new modalities of pacing. He is particularly interested in new techniques for ablation in treating complex arrhythmias. Clinically, his goal is to always be at the cutting edge of cardiac electrophysiology treatments, performing the most sophisticated procedures and using the newest technologies available.

Dr. Strouse received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he conducted research in pathophysiology. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals and then completed a fellowship in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology at New York University Medical Center.

Philosophy of Care:
"My goal is to always be the patient’s advocate, be responsive to questions, and think of the patient as a member of my family. My treatment recommendations always consider the patient’s needs and circumstances first."

Education:
Fellowship: New York University Medical Center
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals
Internship: Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

Left Atrial Appendage Occluders (LAAOs) Reduce the Risk of Stroke in AFib Patients

Left Atrial Appendage Occluders Explained: Amulet and Watchman

Dr. John Wang discusses left atrial appendage occluders for AFib patients. Left atrial appendage occluders seal off the left atrial appendage –reducing the risk for stroke and eliminating the need for blood thinners.
Preventing AFib-related strokes

Learn how this minimally invasive treatment option for AFib patients can reduce the risk of stroke and reliance on medication from harmful blood clots.

WATCHMAN Implant Reduces Stroke Risk in AFib Patients

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that affects six million Americans. Patients with AFib are at significant risk of stroke, and the WATCHMAN device reduces the risk of AFib-related stroke. Watch now, as Dr. Manish Shah tells @FOX 5 Washington DC how the WATCHMAN implant works and why it is an effective stroke prevention treatment option for AFib.

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Podcast: S4:E3: Let’s Talk AFib with Richard Jones, MD

Podcast: Let’s Talk AFib

S4:E3: Let’s Talk AFib
Richard Jones, MD
Electrophysiologist Dr. Richard Jones, of the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, talks about symptoms and treatment for the full spectrum of the most common form of cardiac arrythmia: atrial fibrillation.

Are you feeling a flutter in your chest, or maybe your smartwatch is signaling an irregular heartbeat? It's time to tune in to your heart's health because atrial fibrillation (AFib) is not just a condition for the textbooks—it's a growing concern for millions.

In the latest episode of 'MedStarHealth Doc Talk,' we sit down with Dr. Richard Jones, an electrophysiologist from the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, to delve into the intricacies of AFib. With a projected 30% increase in cases every two decades, understanding AFib has never been more critical.

AFib is the most common type of serious heart rhythm abnormality in adults. When the heart's upper chambers quiver chaotically, they fail to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening strokes. But what's more alarming is that some individuals with AFib might not feel any symptoms at all, making them ticking time bombs for stroke risks.

Dr. Jones explains how new guidelines by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association are categorizing AFib and recommending best practices for treatment. These guidelines emphasize the importance of early intervention and the role of lifestyle changes in managing AFib.

The episode also highlights the latest advancements in treatment, such as catheter ablation—a procedure that targets the heart's electrical misfires to prevent AFib episodes. Dr. Jones shares that while this isn't a cure, it's a significant step forward in managing the condition and improving quality of life.

Learn more about Dr. Jones here.
Podcast: S2:E16: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - From Prevention to Treatment with Sunjeet Sidhu, MD

Podcast: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - from prevention to treatment

S2:E16: Atrial Fibrillation – from prevention to treatment
Sunjeet Sidhu, MD
Comprehensive, relevant and insightful conversations about health and medicine happen here… on MedStar Health Doc Talk.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia. In the US, it affects between 2.7 million to 6.1 million Americans, and that number is projected to rise to 12.1 million in 2030.

Dr. Sunjeet Sidhu, cardiac electrophysiologist, discusses atrial fibrillation (AFib)—including risk factors, signs, and symptoms. We’ll also talk with him about when to seek care from a specialist and the treatment options available to patients at all stages along the AFib continuum.

Dr. Sidhu sees patients at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, and MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus.

For interviews with Dr. Sidhu, or for more information about this podcast, contact Regional Media Relations Director, debra.schindler@medstar.net

Learn more about Dr. Sidhu here.

Restore Life's Rhythm with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment Options

We offer the most comprehensive scope of AFib treatments in the Baltimore and D.C. region

To request an appointment, call

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Learn more about treatment options

Treatment options for atrial fibrillation

Facebook Live: Heart Rhythm Disorders

Why patients choose us

" I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't discovered these doctors."

- Bernita and Natalie Faulkner, Waldorf and Oxon Hill, MD

The region’s most advanced heart rhythm program

Left Atrial Appendage Occluders (LAAOs) Reduce the Risk of Stroke in AFib Patients

Left Atrial Appendage Occluders Explained: Amulet and Watchman

Preventing AFib-related strokes

WATCHMAN Implant Reduces Stroke Risk in AFib Patients

Listen to our DocTalk Podcasts:

To request an appointment, call

or

Want to know more?

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Restore Life's Rhythm with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment Options

We offer the most comprehensive scope of AFib treatments in the Baltimore and D.C. region

To request an appointment, call

or

Why patients choose us

Treatment Options

Our Experts

Learn more about treatment options

Treatment options for atrial fibrillation

Facebook Live: Heart Rhythm Disorders

Why patients choose us

" I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't discovered these doctors."

- Bernita and Natalie Faulkner, Waldorf and Oxon Hill, MD

The region’s most advanced heart rhythm program

Left Atrial Appendage Occluders (LAAOs) Reduce the Risk of Stroke in AFib Patients

Left Atrial Appendage Occluders Explained: Amulet and Watchman

Preventing AFib-related strokes

WATCHMAN Implant Reduces Stroke Risk in AFib Patients

Listen to our DocTalk Podcasts:

Podcast: Let’s Talk AFib

Podcast: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - from prevention to treatment

To request an appointment, call

or

Want to know more?