Patient Story: Emily
Emily Falkenstein has spent her entire life living with a congenital heart defect. Beginning with an initial heart attack in infancy, Emily has received her care at Massachusetts General Hospital.
About Theofanie Mela, MD
I completed my medical residency in 1995 (St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA), cardiology fellowship in 1998 (University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA) and cardiac electrophysiology fellowship in 1999 (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA).
I am currently an Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. I am a Staff Cardiac Electrophysiologist and the Director of Pacemaker and ICD Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
I am the course director for the Boston Lead Management Symposium.
Departments, Centers, & Programs:
Clinical Interests:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiac pacing
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and pacemakers
- Sudden cardiac death
- Supraventricular tachycardias
Treats:
- Adult
Languages:
- Greek
Locations
Mass General Heart Center
55 Fruit St.
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 866-644-8910
Mass General: Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias
55 Fruit St.
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-724-4500
Medical Education
- MD, University of Athens School of Medicine
- Residency, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center-GME*****
- Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Fellowship, UMass Chan Medical School
American Board Certifications
- Cardiovascular Disease, American Board of Internal Medicine
- Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, American Board of Internal Medicine
Accepted Insurance Plans
- Aetna
- Beech Street
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
- Cigna
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Coventry
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Humana
- Maine Community Health Options
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- MassHealth
- Medicaid CT
- Medicaid ME
- Medicaid NH
- Medicaid NY
- Medicaid RI
- Medicaid VT
- Medicare
- Medicare ACO
- Multiplan
- Railroad Medicare
- Senior Whole Health
- TriCare
- Tufts Health Plan
- United Health Care
- Wellpoint
- WellSense
- WellSense NH
Note: This provider may accept more insurance plans than shown; please call the practice to find out if your plan is accepted.
Research
Block HF Clinical Trial. This is a multicenter study to test the hypothesis that patients with mild to moderate symptoms of heart failure, NYHA Class I, II, and III, some degree of left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF < 50%) and AV block will benefit from biventricular pacing compared to right ventricular pacing, as evidenced by a slowing in the progression of heart failure in patients receiving biventricular pacing. This benefit will be demonstrated using a composite endpoint of mortality, morbidity and cardiac function.
VEST. This is a multicenter NIH funded study looking into reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death in post-MI patients who have a reduced LVEF < 35%. These patients will be randomized to receive a LifeVest external defibrillator as opposed to medical therapy.
Role: Principal investigator for Massachusetts General Hospital.
Publications
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Select Publications:
- Noseworthy PA, Rosenberg MA, Fifer MA, Palacios IF, Lowry PA, Ruskin JN, Sanborn DM, Picard MH, Vlahakes GJ, Das S, Mela T. Ventricular arrhythmia following alcohol septal ablation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. AJC 2009;104(1):128-132.
- Merchant FM, Heist EK, McCarty D, Kumar P, Das S, Blendea D, Ellinor PT, Mela T, Picard MH, Ruskin JN, Singh JP. Impact of segmental left ventricle lead position on cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes. Heart Rhythm. 2010 May;7(5):639-44.
- Complication Rates Associated with Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Generator Replacements and Upgrade Procedures. Results from the REPLACE Registry. Circ 2010: 122;1553-1561.
The Dr. was personable and took the time to explain my condition and the treatment. A+++++ I felt very supported and taken care of.
The provider is highly competent. Her case load is so big, that it is difficult to see her or speak with her. The challenges of navigating the MGH system, drove me to seek another provider; however, I came back just to be with this provider, despite the challenges of the larger system.
Very thorough and easy to talk to.
Dr. Mela listened closely and we had a productive discussion. She patiently answered all my questions and concerns. I trust her.
Dr Mela's approach to care inspires trust and confidence
Dr Mela is an experienced cardio doctor and she explained things to me and possibilities in a clear and easy manner to me.
Professional. Caring. Open conversation. Thorough. Pleasureable experience
Provider was a good communicator; knowledgeable, confident, courteous, respectful, and caring.
Appreciate that she followed up as discussed with my cardiologist and called me in a timely manner to discuss final recommendations.
Dr. Mela care is exceptional. Her review of my condition and explanation of my medical care were great and easy to follow. Thank you Dr. Mela!