Ochsner Pediatric Electrophysiology

The Pediatric Electrophysiology department at Ochsner is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities in children and adults with congenital heart disease. Heart rhythm abnormalities can be either too slow (bradyarrhythmias) or too fast (tachyarrhythmias) and can be dangerous if they compromise blood flow. Many conditions can cause these abnormalities including extra electrical tissue in the heart such as accessory pathways, inherited conditions (Long QT syndrome, CPVT, Brugada, etc), heart muscle abnormalities (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), congenital heart disease, etc.

Pediatric Electrophysiology at Ochsner offers an array of diagnostic and therapeutic options to treat heart rhythm abnormalities. We interpret more than 5,000 pediatric ECG’s and 2,000 Holter monitors per year from all of the Ochsner network facilities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Other testing options that we offer include exercise stress testing, event monitors and tilt table testing.

For patients that need invasive procedures, we have a 4-room electrophysiology suite staffed by knowledgeable, specially trained nurses and technicians where we perform invasive electrophysiology studies, ablations, pacemaker/defibrillator implants, loop recorder implants and cardioversion. The lab has access to the most current technology including 3-D mapping with multipoint capability, irrigated ablation catheters, cryoablation and intracardiac ultrasound. Ochsner electrophysiology lab is fully accredited by the American College of Cardiology.

The Ochsner Pediatric Electrophysiology provider team consists of Elizabeth Thomas, MD, FHRS and Jenna White, PA-C. Dr. Thomas is a certified clinical electrophysiology specialist in pediatrics and a fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. Dr. Thomas and Jenna see patients at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and at satellite clinics in Covington and Lafayette. Telemedicine clinics are done with patients in Monroe.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, Dr. Thomas and Jenna are also involved in multicenter research projects with other pediatric heart centers throughout the country. They are members of the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Society (SADS). Dr. Thomas is medical director for Project ADAM for Louisiana Ochsner Project ADAM which is an organization promoting heart safe schools.

The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Childrens Hospital Rendering

Southshore Region Ochsner Flight Care Hurricane Ida 2

A New Home for Ochsner Children's

At Ochsner Health, we pride ourselves on being the No. 1 ranked hospital for kids in Louisiana. We are thrilled to announce that our commitment to providing exceptional pediatric care is getting a new home. Long live healthy kids!