Dr. Kenneth Civello, MD, MPH

As a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist specializing in heart rhythm disorders, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive care to my patients in Baton Rouge. I focus on a wide range of treatment options, from lifestyle modifications and medications to advanced cardiac ablations and surgeries, to address heart rhythm issues. I am also passionate about leveraging cutting-edge digital tools, such as wearables and cellular-connected devices, to enhance patient health. By integrating these innovative technologies, I strive to deliver personalized, data-driven care that empowers individuals to take control of their well-being and achieve optimal health outcomes

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Dr. Kenneth Civello, MD, MPH Education and Training

1

1994

Dr. Kenneth Civello's educational journey began at the Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. This solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future success in the field of medicine.

During his time at LSU, Dr. Civello demonstrated a keen intellect and a passion for the sciences, excelling in his studies and laying the essential groundwork for his medical training to come.

2

1999

Following his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, Dr. Kenneth Civello continued his educational journey by pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Louisiana State University, further solidifying his medical training and equipping him with the clinical skills and expertise necessary to provide exceptional patient care.

This additional credential not only expanded his knowledge and expertise, but also demonstrated his commitment to understanding the broader public health implications of his work as a physician.

3

2001

Successfully completed Internal Medicine residency program at Vanderbilt University.

4

2003

Completed fellowships in both Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.

5

2003

Served as Chief Electrophysiology Fellow at The Cleveland Clinic, demonstrating leadership and expertise in the field.

6

2007

Board-certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Disease, and was an American College of Cardiology Young Investigator of the Year finalist.

7

2007

Joined Louisiana Cardiology Associates as the fourth electrophysiologist, and spearheaded the development of the Heart Rhythm Center, a division of Louisiana Cardiology Associates which focuses specifically on the comprehensive treatment of electrophysiology-related heart disease.

Areas of Expertise

Atrial Fibrillation

Treating irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation, which is a common heart rhythm disorder that causes a rapid and irregular heartbeat.

Atrial Flutter

Specializing in heart rhythm disorders and their treatment, including atrial flutter, a type of heart rhythm disorder that causes a rapid and regular heartbeat.

Lead Extractions

Providing safe and effective removal of implanted cardiac device leads, which are thin wires that are used to deliver electrical impulses to the heart.

Wearables and Digital Health

Utilizing wearable devices and digital health technologies to monitor and manage heart health, such as tracking heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns.

Pacemakers & ICDs

Expert in implantable cardiac devices for rhythm management, including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), which are devices that help regulate the heart's rhythm and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.

Nutrition

Providing nutritional guidance and lifestyle modifications to support heart health, such as recommending a balanced diet, limiting sodium intake, and increasing physical activity.

Syncope

Treating syncope, also known as fainting, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart rhythm problems. Monitoring

POTS

Combat Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome with our specialized care.

Specialized Interests

Atrial Fibrillation

Managing and treating this common heart rhythm disorder.

Syncope

Diagnosing and treating fainting episodes related to heart conditions.

Nutrition

Emphasizing the role of diet in heart health and disease prevention.

Dr Civello commercial on importance of Remote Monitoring

Recent Articles

POTS Syndrome Management

Discover lifestyle changes to manage and potentially cure POTS Syndrome.

Natural Blood Pressure Control

Learn natural methods to lower blood pressure without relying on medication.

Mediterranean Keto Diet

Explore the health benefits of combining the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets.

Ketogenic Diet: A Cardiologist Perspective

Get a cardiologist's perspective on the ketogenic diet and its potential benefits.

High Intensity Interval Training

Learn about the benefits and how to implement high intensity interval training.

Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation

Lifestyle Changes

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that can be effectively managed with a variety of treatments. Lifestyle changes including exercise, weight loss, and addressing sleep apnea can help manage atrial fibrillation. These lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and severity of atrial fibrillation episodes.

Medications

If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medications, ablation, and surgery are also available. Medications like Flecainide, Propafenone, and Amiodarone can help regulate the heart rhythm. These medications work by slowing down the electrical signals in the heart that are causing the irregular rhythm.

Cardioversion

Cardioversion, a procedure that uses electric shock or drugs, can quickly restore a normal heart rhythm. It is often used in emergencies or when medication is not effective.

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Ablation Procedures

Ablation procedures, including cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and pulse field ablation involve using catheters to target and destroy abnormal heart tissue that is causing the irregular rhythm.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat atrial fibrillation. This is typically considered when other treatments have failed or when the atrial fibrillation is severe. At OLOL, we perform both the Convergent Ablation and Cox Maze Ablation.

Journal Publications, Book Chapters and Abstracts

Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications

  1. Casey BE, Civello KC Jr, Martin LF, O’Leary JP. The medical malpractice risk associated with bariatric surgery. Obes Surg. 1999 Oct;9(5):420–425.
  1. Dugaw JE Jr, Civello K, Chuinard C, Jones GN. Will patients use a computer to give a medical history? J Fam Pract. 2000 Oct;49(10):921–923.
  1. Yamada H, Popović ZB, Martin DO, Civello KC, Wallick DW. The effects of altering time delays of coupled pacing during acute atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2006 Jun;3(6):722–727.
  1. Di Biase L, Fahmy TS, Patel D, Bai R, Civello K, et al. Remote magnetic navigation: human experience in pulmonary vein ablation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007 Aug 28;50(9):868–874.
  1. Di Biase L, Auricchio A, Sorgente A, Civello K, et al. The magnitude of reverse remodeling irrespective of aetiology predicts outcome of heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy. Eur Heart J. 2008 Oct;29(20):2497–2505.
  1. Iler MA, Hu T, Ayyagari S, Callahan TD 4th, Civello KC, et al. Prognostic value of electrocardiographic measurements before and after cardiac resynchronization device implantation in patients with heart failure due to ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 2008 Feb 1;101(3):359–363.
  1. Riedlbauchová L, Brunken R, Jaber WA, Popová L, Patel D, Lánská V, Civello K, et al. The impact of myocardial viability on the clinical outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2009 Jan;20(1):50–57.
  1. Civello KC, Smith CA, Boedefeld W. Combined endocardial and epicardial ablation for symptomatic atrial fibrillation: Single center experience in 100+ consecutive patients. J Innov Cardiac Rhythm Manage. 2013 Sep.
  1. Anderson LH, Black EJ, Civello KC, Martinson MS, Kress DC. Cost-effectiveness of the convergent procedure and catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. J Med Econ. 2014 Apr 23.
  1. Wazni OM, Dandamudi G, Sood N, Hoyt R, Tyler J, Durrani S, Niebauer M, Makati K, Halperin B, Gauri A, Morales G, Shao M, Cerkvenik J, Kaplon RE, Nissen SE; STOP AF First Trial Investigators. Cryoballoon ablation as initial therapy for atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2021 Jan 28;384(4):316–324.
  1. Tarakji KG, Mittal S, Kennergren C, Corey R, Poole JE, Schloss E, Gallastegui J, Pickett RA, et al.; WRAP-IT Investigators. Antibacterial envelope to prevent cardiac implantable device infection. N Engl J Med. 2019 May 16;380(20):1895–1905.
  1. Gill J, Crossen KJ, Blauth C, Kerendi F, Oza SR, Magnano AR, Mostovych MA, Halkos ME, Tschopp D, Osorio J, Tabereaux P, Boedefeld W, Civello K, et al. Atrial fibrillation symptom reduction and improved quality of life following the hybrid convergent procedure: a CONVERGE trial subanalysis. [Journal name, if available].

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Book Chapters

  1. Civello KC. Mitral Valve Disease. In: Manual of Cardiovascular Medicine. 2004.

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Thesis

  1. Civello KC. Using Information Technology to Improve Public Health. Master of Public Health Thesis. 1998.

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Abstracts and Conference Presentations

  1. Reverse Left Atrial Remodeling and Improved Systolic Function after Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation. NASPE Abstract, 2004.
  1. Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Extend to Patients with Mechanical Dyssynchrony due to Right Ventricular Pacing. NASPE Abstract, 2004.
  1. Effect of High Voltage Stimulation on Left Ventricular Torsional Deformation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. ACC Abstract, 2004.
  1. Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on the Left Ventricular Torsional Deformation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. ACC Abstract, 2004.
  1. Usefulness of Plasma BNP to Determine Responders and Non-Responders of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. NASPE Presentation, 2005.
  1. Evidence of Inflammatory and Hemodynamic Remodeling After Biventricular Device Implantation for Heart Failure. NASPE Presentation, 2005.
  1. Axillary Vein Puncture Access Causes a Unique Lead Failure Mechanism. NASPE Poster, 2005.
  1. Survival After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Evidence for Inflammation as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure After Bi-Ventricular Device Implantation. NASPE Presentation, 2005.
  1. Validation of an Institutionally Accepted Standardization of the Coronary Sinus Tributaries and Left Ventricular Myocardial Segments. HRS Featured Abstract, 2006.
  1. Positron Emission Tomography Scan Abnormalities Do Not Predict Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Abstract, 2006.

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Contact Information

Phone

225-767-3900

Location

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Get in Touch

How can I schedule an appointment?

Contact our office at 225-767-3900 or email civellonurse@lca-br.com to schedule a consultation.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your medical records, list of current medications, and insurance information. You may also want to bring tennis shoes.

Do you offer telemedicine consultations?

Yes, we offer telemedicine options for certain types of appointments. Please inquire when scheduling.