Recognition of training centres by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)

The EHRA Recognised Training Centres (ERTC) programme acknowledges and supports good educational practices

EHRA recognises, acknowledges and supports good educational practices provided by centres. This programme falls under the EHRA Certification Committee’s activities and all laboratories and centres within the National Cardiac Societies of the ESC are eligible. Put your centre forward and apply!

ERTC logo 2016

ERTC is a quality label. It enables training centres to highlight efficiency, add value to the quality of their education and mentoring, increase notoriety, and attract fellows and practitioners. It can also be used as a means to verify the uniformity of educational tools and standardised practical teaching, and to improve the overall quality of laboratories.

Who can apply?

Laboratories and centres performing electrophysiology ablation procedures or device implantations
Academic and non-academic centres

What are the benefits?

Fellows from EHRA Recognised Training Centres are eligible to apply for the EHRA Training Fellowship Programme, an opportunity to get specialised training in another ESC member country.

Recognised centres hosting EOTP fellows (EHRA Observational Training Programme) benefit from one free EHRA Member registration to EHRA congress for every fellow welcomed to their centre (maximum five EHRA Member registrations for EHRA congress per centre).

Rules and regulations

Please carefully read the following rules and regulations before completing the online ERTC application form.

Language: Documents, letters and applications must be submitted in English.
ERTC e-form: All questions on the application form must be answered. Centres should submit the form along with a letter of support from their respective Working Groups and/or National Cardiac Societies.
My ESC account: The applicant should create their own My ESC account, providing clear, valid and complete contact details.
Submission period: Applications can be submitted all year round.
Validity: A ERTC Quality Label is valid for five full years from the date of acceptance.
Fellows list: Accepted centres are asked to provide at least two to four training fellows enrolled during the past four years of the application. This list should contain the fellow's full name, training fellowship starting/ending dates, and email address. EHRA will only use this list for the purpose of assessing this programme.
Fellows survey: A survey will be sent on a random basis to some fellows of the accepted centres. Accepted centres should inform its fellows that they might be contacted to complete a survey, as their opinion and experience is valued and needed. The information provided in the survey is confidential and is only subject to the EHRA Certification committee’s assessment. It won’t be shared with the Centre Programme Director, the National Society or Working Group.
Quality label status: A centre's ERTC Quality Label may be subject to non-renewal if the centre's fellows surveys are found to be repeatedly negative.

Requirements

The following information/documentation is required when applying.

Centre

Established for more than three years
A full service of cardiology
Training facilities and expertise on site
Documentation and review of complications as part of the training
Publication of the number of procedures performed and the number of fellows in training

Centre staff

Confirmation of at least two senior EPs with minimum five years of experience in EP and/or CP are EHRA Members
Confirmation that at least one staff member is certified in EHRA EP and/or EHRA CP, depending on the modality/ies the centre is applying for.
Confirmation that the Programme Director is an EHRA Member and has more than five years of experience in EP and/or CP
Provide at least 2 to 4 training fellows enrolled during the past 4 years of the application.

Participation

Enrolled fellows
Number of procedures performed per year

EP National Cardiac Society / Working Group

Letter of support from National Cardiac Society or Working Group

ERTC registration process

Step 1: Submission of the ERTC application form
Complete all required fields on the application form and submit all supporting documents.
Step 2: Application assessment
The process will take up to 4 weeks once the completed ERTC application form is submitted.
Step 3: Application status
The applying centre will be notified whether its application was successful or declined.
Step 4: Payment
The accepted centre should pay the full fee after receiving the invoice via bank transfer or credit card.
Step 5: Enjoy greater visibility
The accepted centre will be featured on our website and have greater visibility, which will attract more fellows.

ERTC fee

Fee per year	€500
Full programme (5 years)	€2,500

Apply today

Renew your ERTC Quality Label

University Medical Centre Ljubljana - Recognised centre since 01/02/2020

Then electrophysiology center at University Medical Center Ljubljana is the largest EP center in the country. We are a tertiary-care and national referral center for the complex arrhythmia management and CIED implantations. In two EP labs, we perform over 600 catheter ablations yearly. In addition, approximately 700 CIED implantations are performed annually, including CRTs, leadless PMs, and His bundle pacing. We are proud to receive accreditation as an EHRA Recognised Training Centre, which certifies implementation of high professional and educational standards in our practices. With ERCT acknowledgement, we hope to broaden the recognition of our center and, possibly attract fellows from a wider region.

List of Recognised Training Centres

We are pleased to share the list of EHRA Recognised Training Centres:

Austria

Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen

Recognised centre since 20 March 2017
Modalities: EP & CIED
Contact: Prof. Helmut Pürerfellner, FESC, FHRS
Website

Our centre is a highly recognised EP and CP hub in Austria, incorporating two dedicated EP laboratories where more than 900 ablations are performed annually. All arrhythmias, including complex atrial and ventricular substrates, are treated using the latest 3-D technologies (Carto-3, EnSite X), Cryoablation, and the Affera mapping and ablation system.

We have the largest VT ablation programme in Austria, performing around 70 VT procedures in patients with structural heart disease, and we routinely carry out epicardial mapping and ablation. Our institution has also been a leading site in the development and evaluation of Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), utilising several new-generation PFA platforms and conducting a broad range of studies, including first-in-human trials.

Approximately 500 cardiac devices are implanted annually in a state-of-the-art CP laboratory equipped with 3-D mapping technologies (Carto, EnSite). We perform the largest number of CRT-P/CRT-D implants in Austria (about 100/year) and have a rapidly expanding programme in physiological pacing, including His-bundle and left bundle branch pacing (around 50/year). Our team now consists of five fully trained electrophysiologists and 1–2 international fellows on a continuous basis.

The EP/CIED Group is renowned for its excellence and leadership in both clinical practice and research. We maintain a broad and active representation within EHRA, including the current EHRA President (2024–2026) and multiple colleagues serving in EHRA committees, as well as longstanding involvement in international societies such as HRS.

Medical University of Innsbruck

Recognised centre since 21 April 2023
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Assoc. Prof. Markus Stuehlinger
Website

Our Cardiology Department is part of a University Clinic covering invasive cardiology and pacing service for the Western part of Austria. Our EP-Lab was established 1999 and is currently performing app. 450 ablation procedures (including 200 AF and 50 VT ablations) and 100 CIED implantations (majority CRT and conduction system pacing). The EP group consists of 3 senior electrophysiologists (all EHRA members) and 2 EP fellows involved with invasive procedures, but also a large outpatient and device clinic. Our service is provided in 1 EP lab and 1 PM OR (cardiac surgery department, PM and ICD implantations and extractions), patients are also treated at the Cardiology wards and our outpatient clinic. Our special interests are novel single shot devices for AF-ablation (we also performed first-in-man-trials), oral anticoagulation trials and CIED telemonitoring.

Medical University of Graz

Recognised centre since 16 March 2018
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Prof. Daniel Scherr, MD, FESC, FEHRA
Website

The Medical University of Graz hosts one of the busiest Electrophysiology Services in Austria which serves a population of 1.5 million in southern Austria.
More than 750 ablations, ranging from SVT to AF to endo- and epicardial VT procedures, and more than 700 CIED implantations are performed annually.
We offer the largest catheter ablation program in Austria, performed in two labs, with two CARTO systems, as well as a Cryoablation system, and two electroporation PFA ablation systems.
For AF ablation, we offer the full range of therapies including electroporation, (very) high power short duration ablation, single shot ablation, and Vein of Marshall alcohol ablation.
Our advanced program for VT management encompasses endo- and epicardial ablation with multimodal image integration, such as ADAS 3D and MUSIC, and in addition computational modelling as part of research protocols. For VT patients, we offer the full range of bail-out strategies (alcohol/bipolar ablation, sympatectomy, stereotactic radioablation, and surgical assist devices.
We have close cooperation with our cardiac surgeons allowing novel rhythm therapies such as cardiac sympathectomy. Our centre has in-house cardiac surgery with a great interest in arrhythmia surgery, and we jointly manage patients with arrhythmias & cardiac assist devices.
Furthermore, we have a structured program for ablations in pediatric and EMAH patients. A pediatric cardiologist / EP is a constant member of our EP team.
For CIED implantation, besides regular pacemaker, leadless pacemaker, ICD, and CRT implantation, and extraction, we focus on innovative therapies such as 3D mapping guided conduction system pacing implantation with an ENSITE 3D EAM system, and on extravascular / leadless device implantation. Furthermore, LAA occluders are regularly implanted.
Patients are seen in an electrophysiologic outpatient clinic, including dedicated nursing staff. Besides, we have a vast experience and structured program in remote patient follow-up
Basic research (including a large-animal chronic AF model equipped with a full EP recording system and a CARTO 3D mapping system) and both investigator-initiated and third-party clinical research are conducted with the assistance of a team of technicians and study coordinators. We host animal-model-based courses in CRT implant and EP procedures.
We are co-PIs in the currently world-wide largest randomized trial investigating PFA vs. RF ablation, BEAT-AF, sponsored by a HORIZON 2020 grant of the European Union.
The EP Group is renowned for its excellence and leading position in both clinical EP as well as in both basic and clinical EP research.
In addition, we have a longstanding and dedicated activity in national and international societies (ESC, EHRA, HRS), and have a longstanding tradition of national and international education and proctoring of fellows and centres. Our annual meeting Graz Rhythm takes place every September and focuses on innovations in interventional EP and device therapy, in a live (in the box) case-based format with an international faculty.
We welcome fellows both for short-term visits as well as for long-term (12 months) dedicated fellowships, which are supported by the Medical University of Graz and which allow for hands-on training.

Belgium

Hasselt Heart Rhythm Center

Recognised centre since: 6 December 2022
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Thomas Phlips
Website

Founded in 1996, the “Hasselt Heart Rhythm Center” is one of the oldest and largest EP Centers in the country.

Annually around 1000 ablation procedures (SVT, AF and > 100 VT-ablations including epicardial access), > 450 device implants (including leadless PM, subcutaneous ICD and an extensive experience in His- and LBBA-pacing) and 20-30 percutaneous extractions are performed by 5 experienced electrophysiologists. All state-of-the art ablation technologies are available: point-by-point RF and PFA (Carto with Uniview Module, Ensite) and single shot techniques (Reference Center for Laser balloon ablation, PFA-single shot systems).

The Heart Center is fully equipped with 2 dedicated EP rooms, 1 shared room and a hybrid room. Fellows can choose a training programme in pacing (1 year) or invasive electrophysiology (2 years). There is extensive participation in research programmes and international trials, fellows are actively encouraged to participate in research and publications.

UZ Heart Rhythm Management Centre (HRMC)

• Recognised centre since 23 February 2017
• Modalities: EP & CP
• Contact: Prof. Carlo de Asmundis
• Website

The Heart Rhythm Management Centre is set in the UZ Brussel (University Hospital of Brussels - Vrije universiteit Brussel) with specific university program in Postgraduate Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, since the past decade and under the direction of Prof. Dr. Brugada, we offer to our post-doc students a postgraduate course in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing.

Egypt

Critical Care Medicine Department - Cairo University

Recognised centre since 13 April 2018
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Ahmef Taher Mahmoud
Website

Since the establishment of Critical Care Medicine Department, cardiac electrophysiology has been at the core of its practice. It has three cath labs, one of which is dedicated to invasive EP. This lab is equipped with 3D mapping systems (Both CARTO and Ensite), ICE and rotational angiography. It performs around 500 procedures a year placing it among the highest flow centres in Egypt. This includes implantation of complex devices (like CRTD), lead extraction, and ablation of simple and complex arrhythmias (Like AF and VT). It's currently an approved training centre for the Egyptian board of Cardiac Electrophysiology.

France

Caen University Hospital

Recognised centre since 22 December 2021
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Pierre Ollitrault, Dr Laure Champ-Rigot

Caen University Hospital is one of the two academic tertiary centers of Normandy (pop. Area 3.5 million inhabitants) for complex electrophysiology and cardiac device management. The team is composed of 5 senior electrophysiologists and 5 visiting electrophysiologists from nearby hospitals. The electrophysiology team is part of the greater cardiology department, with more than 25 full-time seniors and 15 residents, covering a wide range of subspecialties from interventional cardiology to congenital heart disease, pharmacology, chronic heart failure or sports cardiology. Our 2 full-time laboratories are equipped with the latest technological advances in cardiac arrhythmia management, and 500 ablations (60% complex), 450 devices (50% ICDs), 40 lead extractions are performed every year.

Two full-time fellows and one resident are dedicated to the electrophysiology lab and, as an academic center, electrophysiology training is the primary goal of the entire team. Electrophysiology courses are given twice-a-week, and participation to national/international courses and congresses is encouraged. Hands-on practice is adapted to the level of the fellow, with a progressive participation in more complex procedures, and fellows actively participate to cardiac devices follow-up (both in person and remote). Participation in clinical research leading to publications is encouraged and helped through our strong local, national and international collaborations. We welcome national and international fellows for observational or hands-on training programmes, knowing that a maximum of 2 full-time fellows per year will be accepted in order to guarantee sufficient practice according to the EHRA certification process.

Centre Cardiologique du Nord

Recognised centre since 16 September 2022
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr William Escande
Website

Our structure “Centre Cardiologique du Nord” is a tertiary care center in the Paris area, dedicated in the surgical and medical care of cardiovascular diseases. Our arrhythmia unit includes 6 senior electrophysiologists performing both EP and device implantations. Our two full time dedicated EP labs, are both equipped with the EP recording system and the latest versions of 3D electroanatomic mapping systems for radiofrequency ablations. We perform single shot techniques for AF ablation such as Cryoablation and Pulsed field ablations. We have an annual volume of approximately 900 ablations, including complex EP left sided procedures, with 400 AF ablations and 40 VT ablations, with endo as well as epicardial approach. We perform annually 900 device implantations, including 200 ICDs and 30 leadless pacemakers, as well as several device extractions, and 50 LAA occlusions. We are pleased to welcome two full time national and international Fellows to join our team for one to two years with both observational and progressive hands-on training, adapted to the level of the fellow. Participants are encouraged to actively participate to clinical research through our ongoing and future national and international collaborations.

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes

Recognised centre since 19 Mars 2024
Modality: EP
Contact: Assoc. Prof. Raphaël Martins
Website

Our EP department, led by Professor Christophe Leclercq, is a training center for cardiac electrophysiology and pacing/defibrillation. We perform more than 900 EP procedures, 600 device implantations (incl. PM, CRT, Micra, Wise CRT, s-ICD etc.) and more than 60 lead-/device extractions annually in 3 dedicated EP/pacing labs. We are specifically focused on ablation of ventricular arrhythmias and perform around 150 VT/PVC/storm ablations annually with various mapping systems. We are also a national reference for epicardial VT ablations. Fellows will be able to learn from very experienced operators and well-known experts in the field.

Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière

Recognised centre since 20 February 2024
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr Mikael Laredo
Laboratory weblink: N/A

We are the academic institution in the Paris area performing the highest number of complex ablation procedures. We have a specific focus in management of ARVC, genetics, imaging applied to EP, VT and AF ablation, including hybrid ablation. We use all EAM systems and evaluate emerging technologies. In 2022 were performed: 500 LA, 150 PVC/VT ablations, 800 devices.

We operate within a world-leading institution in cardiology (#9 worldwide - Newsweek). We are an independent unit with its heart rhythm ICU and have all necessary resources on-site, including complex interventional and structural cardiology, cardiac surgery, transplantation (largest center in France), assistance, and an independent cardiac imaging department with state-of-the-art MRI and CT.

Affiliated with Sorbonne Université, we are leading research in AF (IHU ICAN), cardiac genetics, and imaging. We are also part of the ACTION-Coeur clinical research consortium. A research project is mandatory for fellows in clinical or translational research.

Université Catholique de Lille - Hôpital Saint Philibert

Recognised centre since 4 April 2023
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact:

Our structure is a tertiary care center affiliated with the Catholic University of Lille. The electrophysiology (EP) unit has two cutting-edge EP cathlabs dedicated to complex EP procedures : -450 device implantations/ year including 150 defibrillators, 100 CRT and 100 conduction system pacing, 60 PFO and ASD. -1000 catheter ablations including 500 complex procedures (AF and VT) with different mapping systems for radiofrequency, cryotherapy and pulse field ablation. Our team has extensive experience in both clinical practice and research related to atrial fibrillation ablation techniques, such as pulse field ablation, ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and pacing of the conduction system. We are delighted to offer a one- to two-year full-time fellowship position to a national or international fellow. We provide a combination of observational and progressive hands-on training tailored to the fellow's level of expertise. Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical research that can lead to publication, and we offer our expertise to help them achieve their goals. 5 Seniors electrophysiologists: Yves GUYOMAR, Aymeric MENET, Guillaume VIART, François OUTTERYCK, Marie DECROOCQ.

Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou

Recognised centre since 9 September 2022
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Victor Waldmann
Website

Located in Paris, France, the Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou continues to lead within the department of cardiology and has become one of the most competitive and top academic hospitals in the Great Paris area. The electrophysiology (EP) unit, led by Prof Eloi MARIJON, has two EP cathlabs dedicated to complex EP procedures (device implantations and catheter ablations with Carto-Biosense, Abbott & Rhythmia) with an important and constant increase of the activity these last years.
Currently, approximatively 1000 ablations annually (800 with 3D system), 500 pacemakers, 200 ICD, 150 CRT, 60 LAA closure.
This unit works in direct collaboration and partnership with the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, ensuring that the clinical work in the lab is well supported with innovative research activity focused on a multidisciplinary approach in such fields of interest as epidemiology, sudden death and congenital heart disease.
As a result of these partnerships and continued growth the unit has proudly been recognized as a national reference center in congenital heart diseases, with the EP program for Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases led by Dr. Victor WALDMANN.
Commitment to teaching remains strong, competitive, and versatile, as the unit consistently trains several French as well as international fellows within the program annually with strong leadership outcomes and excellent continuous feedback.

Watch this video and learn more about the Georges Pompidou EP Unit

Germany

Cardioangiologisches Centrum - Bethanien Markus Agaplesion Krankenhaus, Frankfurt-am-Main

Recognised centre since 17 February 2022
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr. Prof. Julian KR Chun and Dr. Prof. Oris Schmidt
Website

CCB in Markus Agaplesion Krankenhaus is an excellent centre for the ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. About 1500 cardiac ablations and 100 LAA closures are performed every year. Modern technologies for treating cardiac arrhythmias are available, such as Pulsed Field Ablation, Heliostar, Adagio. The operators have a large experience in electrophysiological field and they are very active for research programmes, in which international fellows are often involved.

Ostalb-Klinikum Aalen - Kardiologie und Rhythmologie

Recognised centre since 12 January 2024
Modality: EP & CP
Contact: Prof. Dr. Peter Seizer
Website

The Rhythm Center Ostalb is a distinguished unit within the Department of Cardiology at Ostalb-Klinikum Aalen. Our team consists of two senior electrophysiologists, certified by EHRA and the German Cardiac Society, and two fellows, who perform 400-500 ablation procedures annually. We use state-of-the-art 3D mapping systems (Carto, Ensite X) and the currently most relevant energy forms (Cryo, Radiofrequency, Pulsed Field Ablation) to cover the entire spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology including complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Our scientific research focus is in the area of atrial fibrillation ablation. At the Rhythm Center Ostalb, we are committed to the training of young electrophysiologists. Our EP training program features extensive hands-on assignments and weekly theoretical EP teaching sessions. Our goal is to provide a well-structured and supportive learning environment that that promotes the education and training of our trainees.

Segeberger Kliniken - Heart Center, Bad Segeberg

Recognised centre since 9 February 2022
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr Martin Borlich
Website

The Heart and Vascular Center of the Segeberger Kliniken is one of the largest specialized clinics in Northern Germany. The clinic is certified as a training center for special rhythmology by the German Cardiac Society (DGK). Our staff is also EHRA certified for Invasive Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP) and Cardiac Pacing and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (CP). In the field of Invasive Electrophysiology, 2 EPU labs are available, equipped with CARTO 3 systems and Cryo consoles. At present, we perform about 1000 ablations per year, offering treatment of the entire spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias. For ventricular tachycardias, we choose both the endo - and the epicardial approach. A hybrid OR is available for device therapy. The 600 operations per year include pacemaker implantation (also His-Bundle-Pacing and Leadless pacing), ICD, CRT, CCM, and S-ICD procedures. We encourage and support the research work of our fellows. They will also receive assistance from our Center for Clinical Research.

University Hospital of Duesseldorf

Recognised centre since 1 February 2020
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Alexandru Gabriel Bejinariu
Website

The Arrhythmia Service at University Hospital of Duesseldorf is part of the Division ov Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine and has two dedicated EP-Labs and one hybrid operation room for device implantations. The EP-Labs are equipped with full-featured two CARTO3-Mapping systems and LabSystemPro EP Recording System and a Cryo console. Our staff consists of four senior electrophysiologists (EHRA and/or national-society certified) and three to four fellows, as well as experienced nursing staffs with EHRA certification. About 600 EP-procedures, including complex atrial ablations and endo- and epicardial VT-ablations are performed annually. VT-Ablations in patients with cardiac assist devices are regularly conducted. The Device-Team performs about 800 implantations per year, including CRT, S-ICD and TPS-Implantations. We also perform lead extraction procedures (ca. 50).

University Hospital Aachen

Recognised centre since 13 February 2020
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr Noureddin Sawan
Website of the University Hospital Aachen

The University Hospital Aachen is the largest multidisciplinary hospital in Europe and a tertiary referral centre in the west of Germany.

Around 600 ablation procedures are performed annually. We are planning to establish a second EP Lab by 2020. All complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are treated with the latest 3D mapping systems (Carto, EnSite, EPLogix) and Cryoablation. We have daily teaching sessions for our fellows, including case presentations and Journal Clubs.

Our staff currently consists of two certified electrophysiologists and two to three regular fellows.

Our EP Group is distinguished in both clinical EP and in EP research.

Hannover Heart Rhythm Center

Recognised centre since 20 March 2024
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Prof David Duncker
Website of Hannover Heart Rhythm Center

The Hannover Heart Rhythm Center at Hannover Medical School offers state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of expertise in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and devices. Our training centre is equipped with a cutting-edge electrophysiology lab, advanced mapping systems, and modern ablation technologies. Our faculty comprises renowned experts with extensive experience in arrhythmia diagnosis and management, including complex ablations, arrhythmias in children, congenital heart diseases, heart transplant or LVAD, and device implantations. We have a strong focus on innovative research and clinical trials, ensuring that trainees are exposed to the latest advancements in the field. We are well-prepared to provide high-quality training in cardiac electrophysiology, contributing to EHRA's mission of advancing knowledge in arrhythmia management.

Heart Center Leipzig

Recognised centre since 6 February 2017
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Katrin Landgraf

Department of Electrophysiology of Heart Center Leipzig is one of the largest and most acknowledged centres for invasive electrophysiology. In four dedicated EP-labs equipped with most advanced technology over 2,400 ablation procedures and 1500 implantations are being performed each year.

Heart Center Campus Bad Neustadt - Cardiology Clinic II with interventional electrophysiology

Recognised centre since 4 November 2022
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr Elena Sauer, PD Dr Anja Schade
Website

Our EP department is a training center for cardiac electrophysiology certified by the German Cardiac Society (DGK). More than 1500 EP procedures are performed annually in three dedicated EP labs equipped with three different 3D mapping systems performed by 5 independent, highly experienced senior operators (i.e. electrophysiological studies/catheter ablations, complex left atrial ablations, complex ventricular arrhythmia ablations). The clinic was also certified as Atrial Fibrillation Center by the German Society of Cardiology and annually performs over 800 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures also including latest innovative technologies like pulsed field ablation. The clinic is well recognized as a national but also international high volume center for VT ablations and is also a reference center for epicardial VT ablations. In this regard the clinic collaborates with more than 70 German hospitals within the framework of electrical storm network and has its own dedicated VT unit as part of the ICU where patients with electrical storm benefit from a complex multimodal therapy and preprocedural hemodynamic stabilization. There is also an established program dedicated to LAA - closures and our department is one of the few in Germany where epicardial LAA closures are performed. The center also offers cardiac CT and MRI imaging modalities and is involved in multiple studies incorporating imaging in VT ablation strategies.

Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW Clinic for Electrophysiology

Recognised centre since 26 August 2022
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Prof. Philipp Sommer
Website

Located in Ostwestfalia, the Herz- und Diabeteszentrum offers the full spectrum of cardiac interventions. The center provides pediatric cardiology and surgery, cardio-thoracic surgery with a relevant LVAD program, the largest center for heart transplantations in Europe, all available imaging modalities including 1.5T and 3.0T MRI, PET CT, SPECT, CT and an excellent clinic for interventional cardiology with >600 TAVR and >250 AV valve interventions.

The clinic of electrophysiology currently consists of 17 physicians. In 3 dedicated EP labs we perform

about 1700 ablation procedures (incl. congenital heart disease patients, children, LVAD VT, epicardial VT (approx. 30 per year)), providing all current technologies including Arctic front, Polar X, Farapulse, Carto 3 with QMode plus, Diamond Temp, Kardium Globe, EPD by Philips, Volta, Ablacon etc. and
about 1000 device implantations (incl. Micra, Wise CRT, s-ICD etc.) plus 100 lead-/device extractions in cooperation with our surgical department.

Each procedure is usually performed under deep analgosedation having the option to extend to GA in challenging cases. 2 nurses and 2 physicians are present in every procedure. Besides we run a pacemaker-/ICD clinic with about 7000 interrogations per year.

Fellows will be able to learn from very experienced operators and well-known experts in the field.

Greece

Mitera Hospital

Recognised centre since 11 March 2022
Modalities: EP
Contact: Dr Stylianos Tzeis
Website

MITERA is one of the largest private hospitals in Greece and member of HYGEIA Group, the largest healthcare services group in Southeastern Europe. Our hospital includes three separate clinics, namely, the General Hospital, the Maternity/Gynecological Clinic, and MITERA Children’s Hospital. Our center is a referral for simple and complex ablations of supraventricular, ventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation, and for implantation of all types of cardiac implantable electronic devices. We have an ongoing research program focusing on cateter ablation. Furthermore, our EP lab is serving as an educational center for field technical engineers and EP fellows. A total of 250-300 ablation procedures is performed in our EP lab on an annual basis. The EP lab is fully equipped with all mapping systems (CARTO, Ensite X, Rhythmia), cryoconsoles for cryoablation and intracardiac echocardioraphy. The team includes 2 senior electrophysiologists (EHRA certified).

Ireland

Mater Private Hospital

Recognised centre since 19 January 2023
Modalities: EP
Contact: Assoc. Prof. Gabor Szeplaki
Website

The Mater Hospital in Dublin is the largest EP Centre in Ireland, providing countrywide care with 800-900 ablations annually. We treat a wide spectrum of patients including ones with SVTs, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and also arrhythmias in congenital heart disease. The Centre has access to the most up-to-date technologies and serves as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for key industry partners. We host several in-person and on-line educational events. The Mater Private Hospital has a training programme for Fellows in EP, where their education is supervised by six consultants in EP. Atrial fibrillation is the main focus of the Centre and our Atrial Fibrillation Institute (https://www.materprivate.ie/our-services/heart-veins/heart-veins-dublin/atrial-fibrillation-institute) uses the integrated approach of AF treatment by a multidisciplinary team including specialist arrhythmia nurses. Clinical research is facilitated by the Center`s connection to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (https://www.cvridublin.ie/)

Italy

Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio

Recognised centre since 25 July 2023
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Martina Nesti
Website

We are a leading tertiary-care centre with a strong collaboration with academic institution (Scuola Superiore S. Anna, Pisa). The research program has a strong focus on both clinical and translational research and our field of interested is Brugada syndrome, atrial fibrillation ablation and heart failure treatment. We have a multidisciplinary arrhythmia approach with interaction between clinics and interventional staff. In our three cath labs dedicated to catheter ablation (two in Pisa and one in Massa) we use all 3D mapping systems (CARTO-3 version 7 with Confidense and Ablation index modules, Ensite Precision, Rhythmia) and single shot devices (Cryoballoon). We provide the whole range of cardiac rhythm management and arrhythmia treatment from paediatric interventions, ablation in grown-ups with congenital heart disease to arrhythmia management in advanced heart failure and device management.

Ospedale P. Pederzoli, Peschiera del Garda

Recognised centre since 27 January 2022
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Luca Arioli
Website

Pederzoli Hospital enjoys a very high standard where healthcare services are concerned. From a historic point of view, Pederzoli Hospital was one of the first Italian centre to perform catheter ablations of cardiac arrhythmias, approximately 25 years ago. Pederzoli Hospital is now one of the most acknowledged, highest-volume centre in north-east Italy, equipped with an exclusive electrophysiologic lab with avant-garde Navx mapping system, Cryo console and the latest technologies in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. Our staff comprises 3 senior electrophysiologists and 2 regular fellows in training. We perform state-of-the-art cryoablation and radiofrequency ablations of atrial fibrillation, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac pacemakers/defibrillators and resynchronization therapy operations. More than 200 ablations and about 400 device implants are accomplished every year.

Netherlands

Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC)

Recognised centre since 14 March 2017
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Sing-Chien Yap
Website

The Erasmus MC is one of the largest academic EP centres in the Netherlands. There are five electrophysiologists and two dedicated EP labs. We use CARTO3 and EnSite Precision mapping systems and also intensively use the Stereotaxis remote navigation system. We perform 700 catheter ablations, 350 CIED implantations and 40 lead extractions annually. There is a large experience with the training of EP fellows.

OLVG

• Recognised centre since 15 February 2019
• Modalities: EP & CP
• Contact: Dr Jonas de Jong
• Website

Fully equiped EP lab. Carto and Ensite mapping systems. Stereotaxis, RF and cryo procedures. 500+ catheter ablations per year. 450 Device procedures per year including CRTP / CRTD. 1-2 Fellows per 2 years. 4 Permanent EP staff members. The Dutch EHRA EP exam preparation course is organised from our center.

Willem Einthoven centre for cardiac arrhythmia research and management

Recognised centre since 31 May 2017
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Prof. Zeppenfeld
Website

The Willem Einthoven centre for cardiac arrhythmias is part of the Leiden University Medical Centre. We are a leading tertiary-care centre within an academic institution with multidisciplinary arrhythmia management and research program with a strong focus on both clinical and translational research. We provide the whole range of state of the art arrhythmia treatment from paediatric interventions, ablation in grown-ups with congenital heart disease to arrhythmia management in advanced heart failure. Our centre has a long tradition of training international fellows with all levels of experience. We are a national and international referral centre for the treatment of complex ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmias in repaired congenital heart disease. Our advanced program for VT management encompasses multimodal image integration, epicardial ablation and hybrid surgical procedures. The advanced programme for AF management includes both extensive substrate modification during catheter ablation and thoracoscopic mini-MAZE surgery.

Our two cath labs dedicated to catheter ablation are equipped with state-of-the-art 3D mapping systems (CARTO-3 version 6 with Confidense and Ablation index modules, Ensite Precision, MediGuide) and single shot devices (Cryoballoon).

Slovenia

University Medical Centre Ljubljana

Recognised centre since 1 February 2020
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Andrej Pernat
Website

Electrophysiology centre at University medical centre Ljubljana is the largest EP centre in the country. We are a tertiary-care and national referral centre for the complex arrhythmia management and CIED implantations. There are two EP labs. Both are equipped with 3-D navigation system (CARTO 3, version 6 with Confidence and Ablation index modules, and NavX Precision), and Cryoablation system. More than 600 ablation procedures per annum are performed by a staff of five electrophysiologists. A whole range of arrhythmia treatment, including pediatric, extensive AF programme (ICE based fluoroless, and cryoballoon procedures), and endocardial/epicardial ablation of VT in structural heart disease, is provided. In addition, in cooperation with cardiovascular surgeons, we provide a hybrid endoscopic surgical and catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent AF. There are approximately 700 CIED implantations performed annually including pacemakers, ICDs (transvenous and subcutaneous), CRTs, leadless PMs, and only recently His bundle pacing. We regularly provide an EP-fellowship programme for invasive cardiac electrophysiology within the cardiology training programme.

Spain

University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona

Recognised centre since 6 March 2017
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Ms Neus Portella
Website

The Arrhythmia Section of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona runs a busy programme with a high volume of procedures with three devoted laboratories, they implant about 700 devices and perform about 500 ablation procedures. Their hands-on program ensures full integration of the fellow on the regular medical activities including sessions, and research protocols. There are currently four main specific research programs (atrial fibrillation, cardiac resynchronisation, channelopathies and VT ablation) that are running in collaboration with other departments (echocardiography, radiology, heart failure unit, pneumology) and that ensures participation in research studies.
In summary, the department may offer a good program that guarantees appropriate training objectives both in clinical abilities and research knowledge.

Arrhythmia Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos

Recognised centre since 12 October 2017
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Uarritmias.hcsc@salud.madrid.org
Website

The Arrhythmia Unit at Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), in Madrid, led by Dr Julián Pérez-Villacastín and Dr Nicasio Pérez Castellano, is a high volume electrophysiology centre that runs four labs (two at HCSC and two in associated hospitals). We have the most advanced technology (CARTO, NavX, Rhythmia, Stereotaxis, intracardiac echocardiography, etc.) to perform about 1000 procedures/year, 400 ablations/year (including complex ablations like atrial fibrillation, atypical atrial flutter and endocardial/epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablations) and 400 cardiac devices implants-extractions/year (including endocardial/subcutaneous ICD and CRT). As a university hospital included in the national health service, we develop several educational activities aimed at physicians, nurses, residents and fellows. We also conduct research projects, and the Cardiology department is linked to CNIC (the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research), which allows the fellows to develop their research career.

Switzerland

Cardiocentro Ticino Institute - Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale

Recognised centre since 29 June 2023
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Prof. Giulio CONTE
Website

The EP and CP training program covers all aspects of electrophysiology and management of complex cardiac arrhythmias including catheter ablation, electroanatomic mapping, implantation of cardiovascular electronic devices and cardiac resynchronization therapy. The cardiogenetic program offers the possibility to be fully involved in the management of inherited arrhythmia syndromes and cardiomyopathies (cardiogenetics).

University Hospital of Basel

• Recognised centre since 26 September 2016
• Modalities: EP & CP
• Contact: Prof. Christian Sticherling
• Website

The University Hospital Basel hosts the busiest electrophysiology Service in Switzerland. In two fully-equipped dedicated EP labs more than 700 ablations and more than 400 CIED implantations are performed annually. CARTO 3 and Rhythmia mapping Systems as well as the Sterotaxis remote Navigation System are in use. The staff consists of 4 formally US-trained electrophysiologists.

Turkey

Dokuz Eylul University, Heart Rhythm Management Centre

Recognised centre since 20 May 2022
Modalities: EP
Contact: Prof. Emin Evren Ozcan
Website

Dokuz Eylul University Heart Rhythm Management Centre is one of the busiest tertiary referral centres in Turkey. There is one dedicated EP lab that is equipped with a 3D electro-anatomical mapping system (CARTO) and a Cryoablation console.

There are also two shared labs for CIED implantations. More than 600 catheter ablations are performed annually. Complex and rare arrhythmia treatments such as endo-epicardial VT ablations, congenital heart disease-associated arrhythmia ablations, atypical accessory pathway ablations and cardio-neuro ablation are routinely performed. In addition, more than 250 CIEDs (PM, ICD and CRT) are implanted.

Besides intense clinical and invasive applications, a comprehensive theoretical curriculum is provided for EP fellows. This training program is conducted in collaboration with Cardiac imaging, Cardio-genetics and Heart Failure Units.

In addition to its educational activities (Long-term training fellowships, basic and complex ablation workshops, ablation simulators), the centre is also open to many multicenter research activities in which EP fellows are actively engaged.

Kocaeli University Hospital, Arrhythmia Unit

• Recognised centre since 12 Ocotber 2018
• Modalities: EP & CP
• Contact: Yengi Umut Celikyurt
• Website

Electrophysiology department at Kocaeli University Hospital is one of the largest academic and teaching EP centres in Turkey which serves a population of 2.2 million. There are 3 electrophysiologists and one dedicated EP/device lab equipped with the CARTO 3D mapping system and Cryo console. Our department is a referral center for simple and complex ablations of supraventricular, ventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation, and also for pacemakers, defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy .Over 550 Cardiac Device Interventions and over 350 ablations are performed annually. The Center takes part in different national and international workshops, educational programs with duration from one week to 6 months.

United Kingdom

Morriston Regional Cardiac Centre

Recognised centre since 26 November 2020
Modalities: EP & CP
Contact: Dr Thomas Dewi
Website

Morriston Regional Cardiac Centre is a large tertiary centre serving a population of 1.2 million from South West Wales, UK. We have three catheter labs (one fully-dedicated EP, two used for coronary / structural heart interventions and devices) and one pacing lab for simple pacemaker implantations. In addition, we have the benefit of a fully functional cardiothoracic surgical unit on-site. We perform over 650 new device implantations / year (including >150 CRTs, and >100 ICDs), and over 250 ablation procedures / year (including >100 AF/AT ablations, and >20 VTs / year). AF is treated using both Cryo and Radiofrequency ablation, and 3D mapping is performed using the NavX Precision system. There is dedicated nursing support for electrophysiology and cardiac device assessment and follow-up, heart failure and inherited cardiac diseases.