Patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) now have access to two innovative procedures at ECU Health that enhance stroke prevention, streamline care and improve patient outcomes. These advancements include the introduction of a procedure that combines AFib ablation with left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in a single procedure, and the adoption of the Amulet device, a state-of-the-art option for LAA closure.
LAA closure is a procedure that prevents blood clots from leaving the LAA—an area in one of the heart’s upper chambers—and entering the bloodstream, where they could cause a stroke. This approach is particularly valuable for patients with nonvalvular AFib, the most common type of irregular heartbeat, as it provides stroke protection without the need for long-term blood thinners.
For patients with nonvalvular AFib, stroke prevention has traditionally involved two separate procedures: an atrial fibrillation ablation to restore normal heart rhythm and the implantation of a WATCHMAN or Amulet device to close the LAA. These treatments, typically performed weeks apart, require multiple hospital visits and recovery periods.
With the introduction of a new combined procedure at ECU Health, patients can now receive both treatments during a single procedure, eliminating the need for multiple interventions.
“From a patient’s perspective, this saves them from having two different procedures,” said Dr. Ghanshyam Shantha, an electrophysiologist at ECU Health. “I’m proud to offer this new procedure at ECU Health, furthering our commitment to improving care and outcomes.”
While the WATCHMAN device has been a successful solution for closing approximately 95 percent of LAAs, some patients with unique LAA shapes or sizes were left without viable options. To address this, ECU Health now offers the Amulet device, a versatile, two-lobed implant designed to seal virtually any LAA.
“The Amulet is a game-changer,” said Dr. Shantha. “Its design allows for complete appendage closure, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and providing improved stroke protection. This advancement ensures that even patients who weren’t candidates for the WATCHMAN can now benefit from a safe and effective solution.”
According to Dr. Paul Mahoney, section chief of Interventional Cardiology at ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, the addition of the Amulet device allows the team to more closely tailor the device to an individual patient’s unique anatomy and to ensure optimal clinical results.
“I am proud to support Drs. Shantha and Mahoney,” said Dr. John Catanzaro, professor and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and director of the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center. “Their exceptional work embodies our mission to achieve excellence in academics and clinical practice, using cutting-edge technology to transform the possibilities for patients in eastern North Carolina.”
By offering combined procedures and the Amulet device, ECU Health is improving access to cutting-edge treatments and enhancing stroke prevention treatments for the eastern North Carolina community.
“Working together in a multi-disciplinary, heart team approach with our electrophysiology colleagues helps us manage complex patients,” said Dr. Mahoney. “We are delighted to expand the options for our cardiac patients in eastern North Carolina.”
For more information about ECU Health Cardiovascular Services, please visit ECUHealth.org/heart.