Northwest Hospital provides patients with new option to treat advanced atrial fibrillation (Afib)
September 11, 2023– HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, a 289-bed facility, and part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in the state, offers patients a hybrid Atrial fibrillation (Afib) therapy convergent procedure for new patients and for those patients that have failed previous procedures.
A minimally invasive hybrid convergent procedure was completed by HCA Florida Healthcare cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Neil Galindez and cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Sameer Satija.
“One in four adults over the age of 40 will develop Afib in their lifetime. Luckily, treatment options are expanding,” said Dr. Galindez. “We’re proud to offer this procedure at Northwest Hospital for advanced cases. We offer catheter ablation, surgical treatments, and hybrid procedures which is hard to find in other South Florida hospitals.”
Afib is an abnormal heart rhythm caused by erratic electrical signals to the heart. Normally, the heart creates regular electrical signals that are essential for the heart to beat in a steady, rhythmic way, and pump blood to all parts of the body. Sometimes the electrical signals become irregular and the heart beats abnormally. If left untreated, Afib decreases quality of life and increases both the risk of stroke, development of heart failure, and even mortality.
The convergent procedure, performed by both a cardiothoracic surgeon and an electrophysiologist, combines minimally invasive heart surgery and traditional catheter ablation – treating two key trigger areas where Afib can begin. Patients who receive the treatment typically leave the hospital in three days and may resume normal activity within a week.
“The hybrid convergent procedure gives patients much better outcomes, including quality of life, than either procedure alone,” said Dr. Satija.
The patient was a 58-year-old male with long standing persistent Afib. He previously led an active lifestyle and previously underwent multiple cardiac procedures. The patient was symptomatic with shortness of breath, and fatigue. During the procedure, the ablation was done and the most likely source of strokes in Afib patients, the left atrial appendage, was also excluded with minimally invasive surgery.
“Northwest Hospital is the first hospital in Broward county to perform this procedure. We provide a wide array of services to the community,” said HCA Florida Northwest Hospital CEO Kenneth Jones. “We are continuously expanding the latest technology, enabling us to always provide leading-edge services to the population we serve.”
About HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, an award-winning 289-bed acute care hospital, has served communities across northern Broward County and South Florida for more than 30 years. HCA Florida Northwest Hospital provides award-winning care using the latest state-of-the-art advancements in medical technology with a focus on excellence in patient safety and care experience. A Joint Commission-accredited hospital and primary stroke center, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is known for its heart and vascular care; women’s services – including maternity care – and the only Level III NICU in northern Broward County; 24/7 emergency medicine; minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery; orthopedic, spine and neurological care, and more.
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the state of Florida. With an employee base of 77,000, HCA Florida Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 49 hospital campuses and more than 450 other care sites.
