74
CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
The LAAO device is suitable for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who :
• are at increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHADS2-VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy , and
• have an appropriate rationale to seek a nonpharmacologic alternative to oral anticoagulation , taking into account the safety and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin .
Electrophysiologists on the medical staff received patient referrals from throughout the region for precise diagnosis and treatment of rhythm disorders using ablation therapy . The use of advanced mapping systems for signal analysis coupled with the experience of the electrophysiologists results in a more accurate identification of the abnormal rhythm circuit , eliminating it both safely and effectively .
RELATED CLINICAL TRIALS
Patients often have the opportunity to enroll in studies focused on heart rhythm disorders . Fort Worth campus open trials in fiscal year 2022 included :
• AMPLATZER™ Amulet LAA Occluder Trial ( Amulet IDE ) – The study objective is to compare the new device to other LAA closure devices in a randomized 1:1 ratio study . Principal investigator : Craig Delaughter , MD , PhD , FACC , FHRSA .
• Catalyst - Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Amulet device compared to NOAC therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at increased risk of ischemic stroke who are recommended for long-term NOAC therapy . Principal investigator : Scott Ewing , DO .
• OPTION - A study to determine if left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman FLX device is a reasonable alternative to oral anticoagulation following percutaneous catheter ablation for high-risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who have an appropriate rationale to see a non-pharmacologic alternative to chronic oral anticoagulation . Principal investigator : Craig Delaughter , MD , PhD , FACC , FHRSA .
• PACes - Anticoagulation for new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG . Principal investigator : Anita Krueger , MD .
For more information and a complete list of updated clinical trials : BSWHealth . com / research / clinical-trials .
PACING AND DEFIBRILLATION
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Fort Worth experienced a strong volume of implantable cardioverter defibrillators ( ICDs ) and cardiac resynchronization therapy ( CRT ).
Benefits of these devices include :
• MRI compatible ICDs are routinely used , allowing patients and their physicians to use this modality for diagnostic imaging even after ICD implantation .
• Available CRT devices provide multipoint pacing , a “ next generation ” form of CRT that paces the ventricles from three sites instead of two . This form of pacing has been shown to increase the clinical response rate of heart failure patients in early clinical trials .
• Treatment options include leadless pacemakers that are implanted using femoral access and are entirely contained within the heart itself .