Pictured from left are Electrophysiologist Brian Jaffe, MD, Electrophysiologist Daniel Buerkel, MD, Electrophysiologist Matthew Fedor, MD, who provide heart and vascular services at UP Health System - Marquette. The Duke Lifepoint Hospital and Duke Health Affiliate is expanding its electrophysiology services in the Upper Peninsula. (Photo courtesy of UP Health System-Marquette)

MARQUETTE — UP Health System – Marquette, a Duke Lifepoint Hospital and Duke Health Affiliate, announced the expansion of its electrophysiology services.

In a release earlier this month, UPHS – Marquette reintroduced and welcomed electrophysiologists Brian Jaffe, MD; Daniel Buerkel, MD; and Matthew Fedor, MD; to its Heart and Vascular team.

Your heart generally has a predictable, steady rhythm. But sometimes the rhythm can become irregular, a condition called an arrhythmia. Your heart might beat too fast or too slow. You could feel like your heart is skipping a beat or adding extra beats. When that happens, your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a cardiac electrophysiologist.

Electrophysiologist Brian Jaffe, MD, is board-certified in cardiology and electrophysiology and has been in practice for nearly 30 years in the northern Michigan area. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, followed by an internal medicine internship and residency stint at the University of North Carolina.

“I practiced in Traverse City, MI, for 27 years where I was proud to start the electrophysiology program,” Jaffe said. “Now I’m thrilled to be practicing at UP Health System and living in Marquette, and helping Upper Peninsula residents identify and treat their heart rhythm issues.”

Electrophysiologist Daniel Buerkel, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and electrophysiology and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He attended medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan.

“As a Michigan native and outdoor enthusiast, it is my pleasure to bring my experience in cardiac electrophysiology to UP Health System,” Buerkel said. “As a physician, I strive to treat each patient as the unique individual they are, focusing on clear communication to ensure the best expectations and outcomes.”

Electrophysiologist Matthew Fedor, MD, is board certified in cardiology and electrophysiology and has been practicing for more than 20 years. He attended Washington University School of Medicine, followed by a cardiology residency and electrophysiology fellowship at New York University.

“I love Marquette because of its beautiful nature, easy access to mountain biking and skiing, and the very nice small-town vibe, and am grateful to be practicing at UP Health System,” Fedor said. ” My main focus is safe and effective care, which translates into more successful outcomes for my patients.”

“I’m incredibly proud of our organization’s commitment to providing evidence-based, world-class heart and vascular services right here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” said UP Health System – Marquette CEO Gar Atchison who also serves as market president for UP Health System. “Because of the rural nature of our region, these services are absolutely critical for our residents and visitors and will–without a doubt–be lifesaving for many.”

According to the release, the electrophysiology laboratory at UPHS – Marquette is equipped with the latest technology to diagnose and treat an array of abnormal heart rhythm conditions. The team specializes in heart arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, electrophysiology studies, cardiac ablation, pacemaker insertion, cardiac resynchronization therapy, complex lead extraction, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, syncope, as well as performing specialized procedures such as LARIAT and WATCHMAN. The state-of-the-art facility is the only one of its kind in the region.

When should I see an electrophysiologist?

If your heartbeat is too slow (less than 60 beats per minute), too fast (more than 100 beats per minute), or irregular, an electrophysiologist can help find the cause and recommend treatment.

You also might be referred to an electrophysiologist if you receive a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Electrophysiologists use their training to diagnose and treat a number of conditions, including:

¯ Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm

¯ Bradycardia, when the heart beats too slow

¯ Tachycardia, when the heart beats too fast

¯ Sudden cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops

¯ Supraventricular tachycar

dia, a sudden and very

fast heartbeat

¯Ventricular tachycardia, a

very fast heartbeat

¯ Ventricular fibrillation, a

fluttering of the heart muscle

¯Heart failure, when the heart has difficulty pumping an adequate amount of blood to the rest of the body

¯ Cardiac channel diseases, inherited cardiac diseases caused by mutations in genes