In The News
WMMC Has One of the Most Advanced Cardiac Eletrophysiology Programs in the Nation
White Memorial Medical Center welcomes world-respected expert in electrophysiology, Koonlawee Nademanee, MD, and his associate, Brett Gidney, MD, to the medical staff. The two doctors are collaborating with WMMC to expand electrophysiology (EP) services and technology. With these additions, WMMC now has one of the most advanced cardiac EP programs in the nation.
Dr. Nademanee is director of Pacific Rim Electrophysiology Research Institute. He has pioneered a breakthrough ablation technique for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation. His advanced technique results in quicker recovery times and very high success rates.
“Dr. Nademanee’s expertise and research in electrophysiology are respected throughout the medical community both nationally and worldwide,” said Mark Cunningham, MD, chair of White Memorial’s Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Department. “We are pleased to welcome him to White Memorial.”
Cardiac electrophysiology is the study of the electrical system of the heart and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, involving the upper two chambers of the heart (the atria). During AF, the atria quiver instead of beating effectively. Blood isn’t pumped completely out of them, so it may pool and clot. If a piece of a clot leaves the heart, it may result in a stroke.
Dr. Nademanee’s ablation technique is studied by doctors around the globe. Physicians from Japan, Taiwan, Italy, France and other nations have visited WMMC to observe his technique. Also, patients travel from outside California and the United States to have the procedure performed at WMMC.
WMMC is also expanding its cardiac EP capabilities, with a new, second EP lab to complement the existing EP lab. Both labs will house some of the most advanced technology in the region to treat atrial fibrillation and perform other EP and cardiac catheterization procedures.
“Expanding our services for treating irregular heart rhythm brings much-needed new technology and services to our community and to all of Los Angeles,” said Beth Zachary, president & CEO.
Dr. Nademanee served as professor of medicine at the University of Southern California for many years. He is a former Professor of Medicine and Chief of Cardiology at the University of Colorado. He has been a visiting professor and an invited lecturer at numerous institutions and conferences worldwide. He has authored or co-authored about 230 articles, editorials and abstracts, and is a reviewer for several prestigious medical journals.
Dr. Nademanee received his bachelor’s degree and his medical degree from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. He completed his medical residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, and his fellowship in cardiology at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center in 1980. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate in medicine from Mahidol University in Bangkok. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and cardiac electrophysiology.
His associate, Dr. Gidney, received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and his medical degree at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. He completed his medical residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and the University of Southern California in 2004, and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center and the University of California, Los Angeles in 2007. He completed a fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology at the University of California Los Angeles Harbor Medical Center in July 2008. He is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology and is board-eligible in electrophysiology.
Posted 8/30/08
