MUHC Foundation donors gather to unveil brand new electrophysiology suite at the Glen

Heart disease, the leading cause of death in Canada, is a growing crisis. With an aging population and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, hospitals are facing overwhelming pressure, struggling to provide timely and comprehensive care to those who need it most.

At the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)’s Glen site, 1700 donors to the MUHC Foundation came together to fund a brand-new electrophysiology (EP) laboratory, equipped with the latest technology to treat and diagnose all complex arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

The MUHC Foundation’s donors collectively raised $6 million, making this big dream for heart care possible. To honour their generosity, the MUHC Foundation invited each donor to the grand opening of the EP suite, offering an informative tour of the cutting-edge space as well as refreshments.

“The opening of the EP lab is a big moment for the Glen, and we wanted to share this excitement with the people who made it possible,” shares Dr. Atul Verma, Director of Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at the MUHC. “I want to extend a special thank you to Jacques Courtois, President of the Courtois Foundation, for his extreme generosity and commitment to heart health at the MUHC, which he has continuously demonstrated over the years.”

What is electrophysiology?

At its core, the heart is an electrical organ—every beat you feel is powered by tiny electrical impulses that ensure the heart contracts in a steady, rhythmic pattern. But sometimes, this rhythm goes awry. This is known as arrhythmia, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Electrophysiology is the branch of cardiology that studies the electrical activities of the heart. Using advanced technology, electrophysiologists map the heart’s electrical pathways to pinpoint problem areas and offer treatments such as ablation, pacemakers, or defibrillators.

“The newly opened EP laboratory at the Glen will enable us to efficiently treat more patients requiring complex heart rhythm procedures, and more quickly. This will reduce critical delays, which can often mean the difference between life and death,” shares Dr. Vidal Essebag, Clinician Scientist and Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at the MUHC.

From catheter ablation to pulse field ablation, the MUHC’s new EP lab is leading the way in innovative treatments to improve heart health in Quebec.

Catheter ablation involves threading thin wires through a blood vessel to the heart, where precise energy application eliminates problem cells to restore a normal heartbeat.

The lab is also pioneering pulse field ablation (PFA), a less-invasive technique that uses non-thermal energy for a safer way to treat arrhythmias, representing the future of heart care.

The MUHC is the only centre in the Americas partnering with six companies to develop and research this promising technology, marking its position as a leader in understanding newer forms of pacing and resynchronization therapy.

The Glen’s new EP laboratory offers another strategic advantage—it is housed within a comprehensive care facility that includes world-class oncology, transplant, prevention, women’s health, and cardiac surgery units. This is critical when many patients suffering from arrhythmias tend to have other serious health conditions.

“For the sickest patients, this integrated approach is crucial,” notes Dr. Jacqueline Joza, a Clinician Scientist, Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Director of the Inherited Arrhythmia Service at the MUHC. “In case of complications, we have the multidisciplinary expertise and resources right here at the Glen.”

At its core, the MUHC’s new EP lab reflects these two things: the generosity of the MUHC Foundation’s donors and the unwavering commitment of the staff—from dedicated nurses and passionate researchers to world-renowned cardiologists—who have brought this transformative project to life.

“The Glen site EP lab has been a big dream since 2015, and we’re thrilled to finally see it come to life—thanks to our donors! This new centre of excellence is a testament to the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together as a community," says Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

The MUHC’s new EP lab is just one important milestone in the fight against heart disease. From pioneering breakthrough treatments to increasing awareness about preventive measures, there is still so much work to do to ensure the heart health of all Quebecers. To ensure a healthier future everyone, donate to our Dream Big: Fix Broken Hearts campaign: https://muhcfoundation.com/works/fix-broken-hearts