(INDIANAPOLIS February 9, 2009) – Approximately 21 percent of patients 65 and older discharged from Indiana hospitals had a primary or secondary diagnosis of atrial fibrillation from July 2007 – June 2008, according to data from the Indiana Hospital Association. There has also been an increase among patients under the age of 65.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia. It forces the heart to quiver rapidly, rather than beating in a normal, rhythmic pattern. The disorder can lead to a greater risk of stroke, heart failure and mortality.
To care for the growing number of heart rhythm disorder patients, the St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana launched its new Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Center of Excellence with a live procedure of the Stereotaxis magnetic navigation system, one of the program’s many heart rhythm therapies. The magnetic navigation system is an innovative technology designed to provide heart rhythm experts with increased precision to accurately navigate catheters within the heart and blood vessels.
Stereotaxis uses catheters with a magnetic tip that are placed in a patient’s heart. Two large magnets positioned externally to the patient’s body then swing into position, creating a focused magnetic field. Electrophysiologists and cardiologists with specialized training in the diagnosis and management of heart rhythm disorders use the advanced digital imaging and a computer console to direct and control the catheter tip to the right location.
The comprehensive program is led by electrophysiologist Eric Prystowsky, MD, co-author of the International Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation, which is used by electrophysiologists and cardiologists around the world to treat the chronic disorder.
“Based on multiple studies, atrial fibrillation has proven to reduce the quality of life for patients,” said Dr. Prystowsky. “In order to improve patients’ wellbeing, it is important to provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. Electrophysiologists at our new A-Fib program will listen to all patients’ concerns to understand their individual symptoms, and employ the necessary management and rhythm control strategies.”
The A-Fib Center of Excellence will provide a full continuum of care for heart rhythm disorder patients. Equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technology, patients will benefit from advanced monitoring devices, echocardiogram, MRI, sleep study and electrophysiology testing with the new program.
There are a full range of treatment options available through the A-Fib Center of Excellence. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medication therapy, cardioversion, catheter ablation, pacemakers and surgery. The A-Fib program will also offer appropriate resources to the community to educate patients on best treatment options.
To assist heart arrhythmia patients, Indiana’s leading provider of cardiovascular care has implemented a unique phone number, (317) 338-AFIB (2342), for additional information and scheduling of appointments.
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About St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana
St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana (SVHCI) is an entire complex of facilities and medical specialists focused on providing advanced, specialized treatment of cardiovascular disease in a warm, comfortable and caring environment. SVHCI was the first free-standing heart hospital in the Indianapolis metro area when it opened in December of 2002, and is a joint venture between St.Vincent Health and the physicians and surgeons of The Care Group, LLC and CorVasc MD's P.C.. In addition to a state-of-the-art medical and surgical 80-bed hospital, SVHCI is home to the $99 HeartScan, The Sleep Center of Indiana and a 24/7 Heart Emergency Unit, which has received a five-star rating from HealthGrades for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. SVHCI has also been recognized by HealthGrades as #1 in Indiana and in the top 5% of all hospitals in the U.S. for overall cardiac services for 2006, 2007, 2008 and is a Thomson/Solucient Top 100 Hospital for Cardiovascular Services. SVHCI also has a location on the campus of St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital on 86th Street.
