The new EPi-Sense ST™ Coagulation Device is the latest innovation available to treat the 3.5 million patients suffering from advanced atrial fibrillation (AF) in the United States.1
(Jackson, TN) – Jackson-Madison County General Hospital now offers a new therapy to treat patients with advanced atrial fibrillation, who until recently had very few treatment options.
One in 4 adults over age 40 will develop atrial fibrillation in their lifetime.2 AF affects about 37 million people worldwide,3 and about 8 million people in the U.S.4 It also increases a person’s risk of stroke, heart failure, dementia, and is linked with increased risk of mortality.
Approximately 45% of patients with atrial fibrillation have Advanced AF, affecting more than 3.5 million patients in the United States.1 “Given that these patients have no comparable treatment options today, our electrophysiology practice will now offer Hybrid AF™ Therapy,” said Ted Wright, MD, with West Tennessee Medical Group Cardiothoracic Surgery.
The minimally invasive robotic Hybrid procedure involves epicardial ablation (outside of the heart) plus endocardial ablation (inside of the heart) thereby treating 2 key trigger areas where AF can begin. At the end of the procedure a clip is placed to on the outside of the heart to permanently close it which minimizes the risk of stroke in the future and potentially allow to cease using blood thinner medication.
Clinical Results from more than 1,100 patients with advanced AF who were treated with Hybrid AF Therapy –
⦁ Up to 88% of patients treated were free from AF5-19
⦁ Up to 94% of patients had reduced AF burden,10,17,18
⦁ Patients reported > 2x improvement in quality of life19-20
⦁ Patients reported > 3x improvement in AF symptoms20
Treating AF is very important because it is a progressive disease.
Because AF is a progressive condition, patients should receive optimal treatment before their arrhythmia worsens. If AF is not properly treated, it leads to a higher risk of chronic fatigue, decreased activity level, diminished quality of life, and sudden death.
Moreover, AF imparts a 3x higher risk of dementia,21 5x risk of stroke,22 and risk of heart failure.23
Patients who could benefit from the Hybrid AF Therapy include patients living with:
Long-Standing Persistent AF, Permanent AF, Chronic AF, Heart Failure, Scarred Left Atrial Posterior Wall, Enlarged Left Atrium, Failed Endo Catheter Ablation, or failed medical management.
Symptoms of Advanced AF include –
⦁ Shortness of breath
⦁ Lightheadedness
⦁ Fainting
⦁ Weakness
⦁ Lack of energy
⦁ Chest pain or Angina
West Tennessee Healthcare is a public, not-for-profit healthcare system with locations serving 19 counties in West Tennessee and Southeast Missouri. The mission of West Tennessee Healthcare is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve while providing exceptional and compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wth.org.
