• at an increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHADS2-VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy , and
• patients who have an appropriate rationale to seek a nonpharmacologic alternative to oral anticoagulation , reviewing case-by-case , the safety and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin .
• Medication therapy
• Catheter-based procedures
• Surgery for certain cases
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Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital — Fort Worth | Cardiac Electrophysiology
Left atrial appendage occlusion ( LAAO )
The electrophysiologists on the medical staff provide left atrial appendage closure devices as a treatment option . LAAO is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an implanted device in patients who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation . Over time , patients with an LAAO device will have a lowered stroke risk as a result of the heart rhythm disorder and are able to decrease the prescribed amount of blood thinner medication .
Patients suitable for LAAO with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation include those who are :
• at an increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHADS2-VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy , and
• patients who have an appropriate rationale to seek a nonpharmacologic alternative to oral anticoagulation , reviewing case-by-case , the safety and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin .
EP clinical trials
Amulet™ ADVANCE LAA The ADVANCE LAA is a new study intended to characterize real-world outcomes of patients receiving new commercially available LAAO device in the United States . The device is intended to reduce the risk of thrombus embolization from the left atrial appendage ( LAA ) in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation ( NVAF ) and who are at increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores , are suitable for shortterm anticoagulation therapy and have appropriate rationale to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to oral anticoagulation , taking into consideration the safety and effectiveness of the device . Principal investigator : Aleem Mughal , MD , FHRS .
Additional studies include : AIM HIGHER - Assessment of implantable cardiac contractility modulation ( CCM ) in the heart failure group with higher ejection fraction . This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CCM therapy in patients with symptomatic heart failure and ejection fraction in the range of 40 to 60 %. Principal investigator : Aleem Mughal , MD .
CATALYST - For more than three years , Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital — Fort Worth has been an active enrollment site for the Amplatzer Amulet LAAO vs . NOAC clinical trial . The objective of the trial is to evaluate 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 .
LIBREXIA-A - A Phase 3 , randomized , double-blind , double-dummy , parallel group , active controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an oral factor XIa Inhibitor vs . Apixaban in subjects with atrial fibrillation . Principal investigator : Mohan Sathyamoorthy , MD .
PACES - Anticoagulation for new-onset post-operative atrial fibrillation after CABG ( PACeS ). Principal investigator : Anita Krueger , MD .
REAL AF - Registry - A study to obtain real-world clinical experience of Paroxysmal and Persistent Ablation RF Technologies . Principal investigator : Aleem Mughal , MD .
A full listing of clinical trials is available in the Clinical Trials and Research section .
Heart Rhythm Center
Committed to bringing a multidisciplinary approach to complex heart rhythm disorders in Tarrant County and the surrounding area , the Heart Rhythm Center provides personalized care for patients who are either newly diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder or who may have been living with a heart rhythm disorder . The center serves many patients who wish to seek a second opinion or learn more about various treatment options .
Because the risk of developing heart rhythm problems increases with age , referrals to the center increased in fiscal year 2024 , coming from a variety of medical specialists in the area who were seeking expertise for the ongoing treatment of a patient ’ s complex heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation , ventricular tachycardia , atrial flutter , atrial tachycardia , PACs and PVCs , and other related arrhythmias .
Whether the referral came from a physician , advanced practice provider or directly from a patient , the specialized team offers providers and patients information on heart arrhythmias and evidence-based treatment options , including :
• Medication therapy
• Catheter-based procedures
• Surgery for certain cases
Collaborating with emergency department ( ED ) physicians on the medical staff and the clinical team at Baylor Scott & White — Fort Worth , the Heart Rhythm Center clinicians identify patients who may need follow-up after being discharged from an ED visit . Since the potential for elevated stroke risk is a concern for many arrhythmia patients , early diagnosis and treatment is critical .
Contact the center : 817.825.1374