Caring for children with heart rhythm conditions is something that Erick Jimenez, MD, takes to heart as a pediatric cardiac electrophysiologist with University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians) and as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He first joined our University community as a fellow, where he finished the last stage of his general pediatric cardiology training. He then completed an additional year of subspecialty electrophysiology training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He returned to Minnesota as a M Physicians pediatric electrophysiologist and a University of Minnesota Medical School faculty member in 2022 alongside his colleague, Dr. Bradley Clark.
Since then, he says, “we’ve worked hard to build a program that provides access to the most advanced technology and we continue developing and growing the program.”
Dr. Jimenez explains that the University of Minnesota has a long and respected legacy in pediatric cardiology, and preserving that legacy is part of his mission. “Our vision is to continue growing as a leading program within the region and nationally,” he explains. “The University has always been a pioneering center in pediatric cardiology, and we want to keep advancing that work.”
A key part of that advancement comes from adapting the newest electrophysiology technologies to the unique needs of children with congenital heart disease.
Dr. Jimenez notes that while these complex procedures are fortunately less common in young patients, the high number of adult patients M Physicians treats provides a unique advantage. By collaborating closely with adult colleagues, his team maintains the sharp technical skills required for cutting-edge tools while applying their specific expertise in pediatric anatomy.
“Every time new technology becomes available in the adult world, our team evaluates how to safely bring it into pediatric care,” Dr. Jimenez says. “We offer all the devices currently available on the market. That collaboration has been essential.”
These innovations have led to meaningful changes for young patients. Dr. Jimenez explains that advanced 3D mapping systems and refined techniques now allow procedures to be performed with minimal or, in most cases, even zero radiation exposure. He has also helped introduce the newest cardiac devices, including the atrial leadless pacemaker, which the University of Minnesota Medical Center was the first center in the Midwest to implant in a child, and extravascular implantable defibrillators.
“Devices have become smaller, and batteries last longer,” he notes. “That means fewer replacements, fewer procedures over a child’s lifetime and ultimately fewer complications.” He emphasizes that is why it is so important for his team to adapt quickly — so they can offer the best options to children as soon as they are invented.
Reflecting on these advancements, Dr. Jimenez believes that the legacy his team now leads will only continue to grow. “The way we rapidly adapt to innovation in our department has truly raised the standard of care,” he says. “We aren't just using new tools. We are making real progress in finding solutions for complex arrhythmias.”
For Dr. Jimenez, the work is both rewarding and forward-looking.
“We’ve achieved a tremendous amount in a short time, but we’re only getting started,” he says. “The innovations happening here will continue to improve the way we treat arrhythmias and heart rhythm disorders in children. It’s exciting to be a part of that growth.”