Cardiac Electrophysiology: A Field of Practice Where Timely Treatment Brings Instant Results
Cardiac electrophysiology is a specialty that plays a pivotal role in caring for heart disease patients with abnormalities in the cardiac electrical system and heart rhythm, which affects heart function and can pose life-threatening risks. MedPark Hospital invites you to a discussion with Dr. Sanisara Chandrachamnong, a cardiologist specializing in cardiac electrophysiology.
Treatment Effectiveness Sparked Interest in Cardiac Electrophysiology
When Dr. Sanisara was a cardiology fellow, she had the opportunity to witness cardiac electrophysiology in action in a Cath Lab up close and personal, observing the procedures and various details of the specialty.
“Cardiac electrophysiology was truly an eye-opener because it is a patient care approach that once the patient has had treatment given and procedures performed, you immediately see positive and instant results. That was why I decided to be a cardiologist. Because I can help patients who might come in with life-threatening conditions and save them so they can return home to their families.”
Witnessing this clinical discipline — one that delivers meaningful outcomes and enables patients to resume their daily lives — deepened her interest in pursuing further specialization in this field.
“Many heart conditions are eminently curable. Even chronic or recurrent conditions can often be dealt with effectively. While some patients may require ongoing follow-up, we can significantly enhance their quality of life with treatment.”
A Cardiologist Role: Saving Lives and Restoring Hope
“There was once a patient who arrived under a code blue—his heart had stopped. The emergency team performed CPR and managed to resuscitate him, but his blood pressure remained dangerously low, and he was still unresponsive. Further investigation revealed a life-threatening blood clot. We promptly administered thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot. A week later, he awoke and was well enough to return home to his family. We give people a new lease on life.”
Dr. Sanisara adds that cardiac conditions—particularly those with cardiac arrest—carry a mortality rate of over 50 percent. In such situations, time is a critical determinant of survival. The faster the intervention, the greater the chance of saving a life. This fact explains why cardiologists frequently care for patients on the brink of life and death.
“In a cardiac electrophysiology case I encountered, the patient had chronic heart failure with severely impaired heart function, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. Despite multiple tweaks, medications proved futile, and his condition took a nosedive.”
“We eventually resorted to an electrophysiological solution—implanting a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device to help the heart contract more effectively. His heart failure markedly improved, the symptoms eased, and he was able to return to a much better quality of life. It was as if he received a new lease on life.”
Dr. Sanisara invokes a simple analogy: while coronary artery care is essential, it is like the plumbing system of the heart, and cardiac electrophysiology serves as its electrical system. Both are equally essential, as plumbing and electrical systems are necessary for a house to function adequately.
Advanced Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedPark: Revolutionizing Heart Disease Treatment and Patient Outcomes
At MedPark, we assemble a team of highly specialized cardiologists across various cardiac subspecialties, collaborating with a top-tier Cath Lab team dedicated to continuous development. Additionally, we have a strong support team to provide comprehensive care for each patient. Regarding electro-cardioversion devices and defibrillators, MedPark is fully equipped. And we consistently update our medical technologies. Dr. Sanisara further elaborates on this commitment.
“Current technology allows us to implant a pacemaker directly into the heart without threading a catheter through the veins. It helps preserve the veins, particularly in patients who require other procedures, such as those with kidney disease or very young patients with slow heart rates. In such cases, preserving the veins for the future is crucial, and this method offers significant benefits.”
“Additionally, in many patients who need a Cardioverter-Defibrillator to restore normal heart rhythm, it can be implanted without inserting a catheter into the blood vessels. The device is placed under the skin outside the heart, but can function effectively. The main advantage is easy removal if there is an infection, and abnormalities can be troubleshooted externally. Moreover, when the device is no longer needed, a cardiologist can remove it easily, reducing the risk of heart infections.”
In summary, the latest advancements in medical technology are more user-friendly and safer, and significantly enhance patient quality of life.
The Symphony of the Heart Rhythm and Music
In another facet of her lifestyle, Dr. Sanisara possesses a remarkable piano skill she has cultivated since childhood and continues to play proficiently today. As a medical student, she even taught piano, a pursuit seemingly far removed from her medical profession. She reflects on this connection, offering further insight:
“Medicine, in many ways, is an art. Caring for patients is not always a straightforward process, following a simple sequence of steps one, two, three, and four, because each person presents a unique set of health conditions. Some may begin at step one, while others should start at step three. Each treatment plan is truly tailor-made, and in that regard, lays the artistry of medicine.”
In addition, Dr. Sanisara has taught herself to play guitar and has even formed a band with friends. Although she no longer plays as frequently as before, she enjoys playing for fun and relaxation. She is one of the many doctors at MedPark who has an intriguing hobby, engaging in activities that offer a refreshing contrast to the demanding nature of medicine and academia. It is another aspect of her life that helps balance her emotions and mind while enriching her interests.
