MountainView Hospital Uses New Less Invasive Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
MountainView Hospital is the first hospital in the United States to use a new, FDA-approved Excalibur laser balloon. This is a less invasive treatment option for patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of heart arrhythmia.
The first procedure was performed recently at MountainView Hospital by Drs. Santosh Rane and Erik Sirulnick. This is the first time the Excalibur Laser Balloon has been used, as part of a commercial case, since FDA granted approval for the technology at the beginning of May.
The balloon treatment option, known as the CardioFocus HeartLight Excalibur Laser Balloon, is a minimally invasive treatment option for atrial fibrillation patients whose heart arrhythmias cannot be controlled with medications. The outpatient procedure typically takes less than three hours and patients can go home the same, or next day.
“We are thrilled that we are able to offer novel and innovative therapies to our patients,” said Jeremy Bradshaw, MountainView Hospital Chief Executive Officer. “By offering this new system, we continue to demonstrate that Las Vegas – and MountainView Hospital – is at the leading edge of patient care for our community and region.”
An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat – the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or at an irregular pace. AF occurs if rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the heart's two upper chambers (called the atria) to beat very fast and irregularly. In addition to uncomfortable symptoms, if left untreated, AF can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Medications may help reduce the symptoms, however in many cases these medications are not enough to keep AF under control and may have serious side effects.
“The laser balloon allows the physician an opportunity to “see” inside the heart,” said Dr. Santosh Rane. “In the past, we have had to use surrogates for visualization.”
“This technology allows us to better assess balloon-tissue contact and that helps us achieve better outcomes for pulmonary view isolation,” said Dr. Erik Sirulnick.
The new procedure is designed to create a line of blocks preventing the extra electrical signals that trigger AF from entering the atrium. Using a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter, an electrophysiologist (EP) inserts a visually guided laser balloon device, which – for the first time – allows the physician to see within the heart and more accurately apply laser heat energy outside of the pulmonary vein - the precise area where the extra electrical signals are being produced. Once treated, the area can no longer conduct fast, irregular impulses and the heart may return to a normal rhythm.
About MountainView Hospital:
MountainView Hospital is a state-of-the-art, full-service medical facility located in the heart of northwest Las Vegas. With a dedicated and talented staff of employees and outstanding physicians, MountainView Hospital is recognized for high patient satisfaction and for providing quality and compassionate care to our community since 1996. MountainView features nationally recognized programs including a top cardiovascular and thoracic center and the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Robotic Surgery. The Sunrise Health Medical Education Consortium, based at MountainView, trains the next generation of physicians and surgeons for our community.
MountainView is a member of the respected Sunrise Health System consisting of Sunrise Hospital, Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Southern Hills Hospital and several surgery, diagnostic imaging and urgent care centers, offering a complete range of specialized and technologically advanced services. @MountainViewLV
MountainView Hospital
3100 N. Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV 89128