loader image
Thursday, March 28, 2024
58.5 F
McAllen
We Welcome your Press Release
- Advertisement -

Memorial Hermann First in Texas to Use Newly-Approved Device to Treat Atrial Fibrillation in Patients at Risk of Stroke

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

The first cases in Texas using the Abbott Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder were performed at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. Image source:  abbott.com

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

by Memorial Hermann Health System 

Newswise — Electrophysiologists with UTHealth Houston and affiliated with the heart teams at Memorial Hermann Health System are the first in Texas to offer a new device, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, designed to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are at risk of ischemic stroke. The first cases in Texas using the Abbott Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder were performed at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

“In some people with AFib, the LAA – a small pocket connected to the upper left chamber of the heart – can allow blood to pool and increase the likelihood of a clot formation, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke,” said Saumya Sharma, M.D., an Assistant Professor of Cardiac Electrophysiology with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and the Director of Clinical Research for the Complex Arrhythmia Center at Memorial Hermann-TMC. “This device completely and immediately seals and closes off the LAA, allowing the body to heal over it, preventing clots from forming in the heart and escaping to the brain.”

- Advertisement -

Sharma adds that this procedure is a good option for those patients who experience side effects or have difficulty taking blood thinners.

“The standard therapy after an atrial appendage procedure of this type would be for the patient to take blood thinners for at least 45 days to avoid blood clots from forming,” Sharma said. “This new device eliminates the need for blood-thinning medications.”

UTHealth was part of the national clinical trial that studied the Amplatzer cardiac plug in patients at Memorial Hermann-TMC. This device gives electrophysiologists another strong and effective option to treat patients who suffer with AFib, part of Memorial Hermann’s commitment to advancing health and personalizing care. The device is currently available at Memorial Hermann-TMC and Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Dr. Andrew W. Phillips and the Pioneering ECMO Program at DHR Health

In a year marked by significant medical advancements within the Rio Grande Valley, DHR Health's celebration of the first anniversary of its Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program stands out as state-of-the-art innovation and hope.

DHR Health Physicians, First in Texas to Offer Innovative Patient-Centric Treatment for Urge Urinary Incontinence

UUI, also known as urgent bladder leaks, is a common and often embarrassing problem.

Rene Luna, MD, celebrates 1,000th Robotic Surgical Procedure

Dr. Luna is considered one of the most experienced robotic surgery experts in Texas. 

DHR Health Brownsville Hospital, A Pillar of Community Support at the Sombrero Festival

Aida Coronado Garcia, the Chief Operating Officer of DHR Health Brownsville Hospital, was enthusiastic about the hospital's involvement in the event.
- Advertisement -
×