Milestone 500th Electrophysiology Procedure Completed The Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation Electrophysiological Lab reached a milestone Monday March 10th, as the 500th Electrophysiology procedure since the inception of the lab was successfully completed.

The Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation Electrophysiological Lab, which officially opened in November 2011 in the Regina General Hospital, has been performing diagnostic studies on the heart’s electrical conduction systems in order to identify the areas responsible for abnormal heart rhythms. The first such procedure was successfully completed in the beginning of 2012; also marking the first time in the province that an atrial fibrillation ablation procedure had been offered.

“It’s a great achievement for Saskatchewan. I’m very excited to be part of this. It just shows that this was a very under-served part of medicine. There are hundreds of people, or more, still awaiting treatment, but at least we’ve made a difference in 500 people’s lives for the better,” said Dr. Omar Sultan, the physician who has conducted all 500 procedures for the Electrophysiological Lab.

Daryl Cronk, a resident of Star City, was the patient for the 500th procedure. “Before I knew about Dr. Sultan, we found out that the nearest place they could do the procedure was in Winnipeg. So it was good that they could do it close to home,” said Cronk, who reports feeling noticeably better since the surgery and has been recovering at home.

“Our role at the Hospitals of Regina Foundation is to enhance healthcare through the support of donors and partners," says Nora Yeates, VP of Fundraising, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. "Prior to the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation Electrophysiological Lab, patients with heart arrhythmias across southern Saskatchewan only had two options: regular medication or travelling out-of-province for care. The generosity of the Kinsmen - and all of the people who support them – has given these patients access to leading-edge care right here at home and made a tremendous impact on their lives.”

The Electrophysiological Lab was successfully launched by a $1.25 million donation from the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation in 2009.

For more information on the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation procedure, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxAOb3wkUGM