Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib or AF) is an irregular and sometimes very fast heart rhythm that can increase a patient’s chances of forming a blood clot in the heart, which increases the risk of stroke and other heart-related complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 in 7 strokes are caused by A-Fib, which, many times, goes undetected in patients for long periods of time.
Patients with long-standing, persistent A-Fib may be candidates for a new type of hybrid ablation procedure that is proving to be a game changer for qualifying patients. Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is one of the first hospitals in the country and one of only three hospitals in Kentucky to offer Hybrid AF Therapy, which is twice as effective at stopping A-Fib than traditional ablation methods alone, and is the only FDA-approved minimally invasive ablation therapy to treat atrial fibrillation lasting longer than one year.
Historically, this category of A-Fib patients has been more challenging to treat, but with the proven success of this new therapy and the highly skilled team assembled at PMC, surgeons in Pikeville are now performing one of the most advanced procedures available anywhere in the country.
The Hybrid AF Therapy utilizes a team approach and involves two types of specialized cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC is proud to offer three electrophysiologists, Dr. Michael Antimisiaris, Dr. Chase Reynolds and Dr. Joseph Souza, and two cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Dermot Halpin and Dr. M. Paul Randhawa.
PMC prides itself in continuing to offer new and innovative therapies for patients who had limited options in the past, creating additional opportunities for patients to receive state-of-the-art cardiac care close to home.
To make an appointment at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky, call (606) 430-2201.
