Kingston, Jamaica. Friday, October 4, 2024: The Cardiac Centre at the Bustamante Hospital
for Children (BHC) is set to host an important Electrophysiology Mission from October 7 to
11, 2024, led by Dr. Kevin Shannon, a Consultant Electrophysiologist from UCLA Medical
Centre, Los Angeles. This mission will focus on performing corrective procedures for
abnormal heart rhythms in children.
Dr. Shannon’s team has a proven track record, having performed an average of 130
electrophysiological procedures annually over the past five years, with 128 invasive procedures recently completed. Dr. Tamra Tomlinson Morris, Consultant Cardiologist, will lead the local team throughout the mission.
Understanding Electrophysiology
The heart comprises both structural and electrical components. While congenital heart disease is commonly associated with physical anomalies such as “holes in the heart” or narrowed blood vessels, some children also face electrical issues. These electrical problems can lead to abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias), which may cause excessively rapid heart rates, poor heart function, and, in rare cases, sudden death.
Clinical Activities
During the Electrophysiology Mission, children will undergo electrophysiology studies to
identify and ablate (destroy) abnormal electrical pathways. This critical procedure aims to
prevent dangerous heart rhythms and improve long-term health outcomes. Each child will be
monitored overnight after treatment and discharged the following day, with a goal of treating at least three patients per day throughout the five-day mission.
This mission represents a significant step forward in providing specialized cardiac care to
children in Jamaica. The collaboration between the visiting team and local cardiologists is
vital for enhancing pediatric cardiac health in the region.
Members of the media are invited to provide coverage on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cardiac Centre.
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