Happy New Year!
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 1/5/2009 8:58:15 AM |
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When the clock struck midnight on December 31, the phrase “Happy New Year” was shouted in many languages around the world. What does it mean to have a "happy" new year? Obviously, there are as many answers as there are individuals, for we each have our own priorities and goals.
One factor that brings joy to me every day is working in an environment that is positive – or “happy” – throughout the year. Since arriving at St. David’s, I have noticed that the hospital exudes a positive, upbeat feeling. The spirit is evident in the EP Labs as well as in the patient care settings. I feel strongly that my patients are cared for in a setting that conveys optimism. After all, what I provide to patients is hope – the chance to live a normal life after struggling with the challenging symptoms of an irregular heartbeat. So to all, I wish a happy, healthy, and hopeful new year.
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Reflections
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 12/30/2008 11:00:44 AM |
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As 2008 comes to a close, I reflect on events of the past year. On May 1, we introduced the Texas Cardiovascular Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center. Since that date, our group of electrophysiologists has been able to forge new ground. We continue to bring to Austin patients from around the world, many who had lived with very complicated cardiac arrhythmias and had been given no hope. I am proud to say that our team has given such patients a second chance at living a normal life. But not only are our physicians leading edge – our staff is superb as well.
As a physician, I must have faith and confidence in the nurses and electrophysiology staff who care for my patients. I am grateful for the excellent care provided at St. David’s Medical Center. Out of all HCA facilities around the nation, the hospital ranks sixth in patient satisfaction. When I count my blessings for the year, giving my patients the opportunity for top-rated patient care is definitely among them.
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More about Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 12/22/2008 7:43:55 PM |
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Last week, I discussed research findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study showed superior results when pulmonary vein ablation was utilized in heart failure patients with drug refractory AFib.
Research has shown that almost all atrial fibrillation signals come from the four pulmonary veins. In PVAI, also called pulmonary vein ablation, a doctor inserts catheters into the blood vessels of the atrium (an upper chamber of the heart). A special machine delivers energy through the catheters to the opening of the pulmonary vein. The energy produces a lesion that blocks impulses firing from within the pulmonary veins, thereby “disconnecting” the pathway of the abnormal rhythm and preventing atrial fibrillation.
Success rates for PVAI are defined as a restored normal heart rhythm without the need for medications. Pulmonary vein antrum isolation has about an 80 to 85 percent success rate with the first ablation. For those who have returned for further ablation, the success rate has been about 95 percent.
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Study Compares Types of Ablation
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 12/15/2008 10:48:41 AM |
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I was pleased with a study published in the October 23, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. I served as the lead investigator in this research, which also involved 28 other physicians. The study centered on a comparison of two forms of ablation – pulmonary vein isolation and atrioventricular-node ablation with beventricular packing – in patients who had heart failure and drug refractory AFib. Our findings revealed pulmonary vein isolation yielded better outcomes. Such findings serve as helpful guidelines for physicians planning their approach to treatment. I realize that pulmonary vein isolation may be an unfamiliar term for individuals reading these posts; next week I will discuss how the procedure works.
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The Value of Experience
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 12/8/2008 9:06:24 AM |
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I truly believe in the importance of experience. I highly recommend that people seeking treatment for Atrial Fibrillation locate an electrophysiologist who has performed many ablations.
Our team has performed thousands of ablations, most of the time involving complex cases. Often our patients come to the Texas Cardiovascular Arrhythmia Institute with AFib compounded by structural defects of the heart. These cases bring challenges, and also provide great rewards. All of the physicians at the Texas Cardiovascular Arrhythmia Institute feel gratified when they are able to cure a patient who was previously told there was no hope. That is what experience is all about.
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Technology Enhances Safety
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 12/1/2008 12:09:04 PM |
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Since I began working in this field nearly 20 years ago, I have seen firsthand the phenomenal growth of technology. In the early 1990s, my work was performed during open heart surgeries. A cardiothoracic surgeon opened the chest and I performed procedures to correct atrial fibrillation. Today we are fortunate that technology has given us the tools to treat AFib without open heart surgery. In place of having open access to the heart, we perform ablation with the use of specialized catheters.
Technology has made the ablation procedure safer for the patient, and our team has access to some of the most leading-edge technology available in the world. The technology is so accessible that each of our physicians can select the specific tool most appropriate for the case. Advanced imaging technology gives us real time information, and mapping equipment provides precision and accuracy. As part of our commitment to technology, our physicians are involved in a number of clinical trials. In one study, the Texas Cardiovascular Arrhythmia Institute is the only site in the world testing a revolutionary radiofrequency ablation catheter, which provides electrophysiologists with data that can result in a more effective ablation. In future postings, I will share more information on this and other studies.
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Welcome Dr. Burkhardt
Posted by Andrea Natale, M.D.
at 11/25/2008 9:17:08 AM |
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I am pleased to welcome J. David Burkhardt, MD, to the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. Dr. Burkhardt and I have practiced together in the past, and it is wonderful to once again work with him.
A bit of information on Dr. Burkhardt…
He is board certified in three areas: Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Electrophysiology. Dr. Burkhardt’s research in the field of AFib has been widely published. He enjoys putting his research findings to work in the clinical setting, especially when working with patients who have been told that there is no hope. (This is something we hear frequently.) Dr. Burkhardt, like the other physicians on our team, is very rewarded when we offer cures for these very challenging cases.
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