NEW THERAPY OPTION FOR A-FIB PATIENTS

LRH HEART CENTER OFFERS NEW THERAPY OPTION FOR PATIENTS AT INCREASED RISK OF STROKE DUE TO ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

WATSON CLINIC CARDIOLOGISTS FIRST IN CENTRAL FLORIDA TO PERFORM PROCEDURE

Lakeland, FL —Patients who suffer from non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as intolerance to long-term oral anticoagulation medications may soon find hope in the St. Jude Medical Amulet device, a revolutionary new tool designed to prevent the risk of stroke.

Watson Clinic board-certified electrophysiologist Neal G. Kavesh, MD, FACC, FHRS and board-certified interventional cardiologist Douglas G. Ebersole, MD have become the first specialists in Central Florida to implant the Amulet device. Their first two procedures were recently performed in the Heart Center at Lakeland Regional Health.

“Atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, and it currently afflicts millions of Americans,” says Dr. Kavesh. “Patients who suffer from AF are more likely to incur a blood clot in the area of their heart known as the left atrial appendage, which could in turn lead to a debilitating stroke.”

“Blood thinners can be effective for most people with atrial fibrillation to lower their risk of stroke,” explains Dr. Ebersole. “In many others, however, these medications result in too many adverse side effects such as excessive bleeding.  A device like the Amulet can potentially eliminate the need for long term blood thinners among these patients.”

During the procedure, the cardiologist guides the device through a catheter to the opening of the left atrial appendage.  Once implanted, the Amulet device effectively eliminates the risk of clot formation by closing off that opening.

The device implantation and outcomes are currently being reviewed as part of a clinical trial sponsored by St. Jude Medical.  In partnering together, the Watson Clinic Center for Research, Watson Clinic LLP and Lakeland Regional Health are among the first medical establishments in the country to take part in the trial.

 The Amulet device is intended to serve a specific, yet pivotal segment of the patient population. Qualified candidates include those who suffer from non-valvular atrial fibrillation, a particular type of AF that does not result from a valve disease such as mitral stenosis or a mechanical replacement heart valve. Participants must also have a significant reason why they are not able to tolerate long term treatment with blood thinning medication.

For nearly two years, Watson Clinic cardiologists have utilized the FDA-approved Boston Scientific Watchman device in the treatment of these patients. Participants in the new randomized clinical trial may receive either the Watchman or the new Amulet device during their procedure while those who do not wish to take part in the trial can still receive the Watchman.

“This trial gives us an opportunity to play a role in the evolution of cardiac care,” Dr. Kavesh says. “It also echoes our commitment to providing patients with the safest, most effective and most advanced options available.”

Lakeland Regional Health’s Heart Center offers the most established cardiac care program in Polk County. As first in the region to perform many life-saving cardiac procedures, the Heart Center’s more than 25 years of experience is unmatched locally. Lakeland Regional Health was first in the area to offer such leading advances in treatments as transfemoral aortic valve replacements, atherectomy and stenting. Three Centers of Excellence – the Heart Rhythm Center, Interventional Cardiology Center and Cardiothoracic Surgery Center, optimize care for patients. Lakeland Regional Health’s Chest Pain Center also has integrated evidence-based science, quality initiatives, clinical best practices and the latest American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines into its life-saving care process.

“We are excited that Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is able to offer the most clinically advanced treatments in the world,” said Timothy J. Regan, MD, Medical Center President and Chief Medical Officer at Lakeland Regional Health. “The Heart Center physicians and team members are passionate in their commitment to deliver the best outcomes and safest care to our patients and their families.”

For more information on this exciting clinical trial, contact the Watson Clinic Center for Research at 863-688-6826.

About Watson Clinic LLP: As one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities.  First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 220 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties.  The Clinic is proud to deliver quality healthcare to every generation from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as at multiple convenient locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at: www.WatsonClinic.com.

About Lakeland Regional Health: As a catalyst for community health, not-for-profit Lakeland Regional Health is reaching beyond its hospital walls to promote wellness, education and discovery in new places and new ways, providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at its Medical Center, Hollis Cancer Center and ambulatory care locations. LRH holds Most Wired Advanced status for 2015 and 2016 from American Hospital Association’s Health Forum and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and has earned workplace awards from Forbes, Gallup and Becker’s Hospital Review. Its 849-bed comprehensive tertiary referral hospital, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, operates a Level II Trauma Center, a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, theBannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine and the nation’s busiest single site Emergency Department. For more information about Lakeland Regional Health, visit http://www.mylrh.org.

 

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