What is the size of your EP lab facility and number of staff members? What is the mix of credentials at your lab?

   Our facility has six labs, four of which are EP capable, and one has Stereotaxis.We have 25 clinical lab staff members, including 13 RNs, 10 RTs, and 2 CVTs.There two NPs and 10 EP physicians in our group, soon to increase to twelve.

When was the EP lab started at your institution?

   Our program was started in 1985. In 2002, Dr. Shivkumar was recruited to UCLA; we were organized as the UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and developed distinct EP programs. These include AF and VT ablation, epicardial ablation, and adult congenital ablation. We have a laser lead extraction program and an intraoperative mapping and ablation program with our colleagues in cardiac surgery.

What types of procedures are performed at your facility?

   Procedures performed at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center include electrophysiology studies, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, surgical ablation, epicardial mapping and ablations, and implantations of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), temporary and permanent pacemakers, and biventricular pacemakers and defibrillators. We also perform intracardiac ultrasound, atrial septal defect occlusions, intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, pericardiocentesis, and cardioversions. We average 40 EP studies, 40 device implants, and approximately 40 ablation monthly.

What is the primary goal of your program?

   Our program is multifaceted; we look for growth in all the emerging EP technologies and in the growing EP market. Our primary focus is on advanced catheter ablation.

Who manages your EP lab?

   Erick Ascencio, RT(R) (CI), is the operations manager for interventional cardiology, and Liza Vitturi, RN, MA, is the administrative nurse II for interventional cardiology. A daily charge/team leader position is assigned to nurses and technologists on a rotating basis.

Is the EP lab separate from the cath lab?

   No.

Are employees cross-trained?

About 50 percent of employees work in EP and cath.
Staff interested in learning EP is given the opportunity to cross train.

What new equipment, devices and/or products have been introduced at your lab lately? How has this changed the way you perform those procedures?

   We recently added a Stereotaxis lab, which helps reduce our use of fluoroscopy. Additionally, we have purchased a lead cabin to reduce flouroscopic exposure for the operator and lab staff, as we are dedicated to complex ablations.A wireless headset intercom system has also been purchased to facilitate communication for a calmer environment.

Who handles your procedure scheduling? Do you use particular software?

   Our administrative staff use a web-based scheduling request form. Once requests are reviewed, they are entered into our GE Centricity^®/IDX system (GE Healthcare,Waukesha,WI).

What type of quality control/ quality assurance measures are practiced in your EP lab?

   Quality assurance measures include conscious sedation outcomes. We also do bi-weekly PI/QI meetings with detailed case review as needed. Yearly competencies are mandatory for all staff.