When patients experience atrial fibrillation and related cardiac conditions, Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute has specialized programs to meet those needs. Our AFib care includes some of the newest diagnostic and treatment tools now available — all combined with compassionate, personalized care.
Seamless care experience, national recognition
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 850 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 700 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Our cardiac care has won us national recognition. We’re proud to have earned the Gold Plus and Silver Plus awards from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, along with the Gold Achievement Award from the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Program and Chest Pain Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology.
Innovations in AFib diagnosis and treatment at Novant Health
That recognized excellence forms the backdrop to Novant Health’s specialized arrhythmia care. AFib, the most commonly diagnosed arrythmia, affects the capacity of the upper heart chambers (atria) to pump blood forward to the lower heart chambers (ventricles) due to an uncoordinated heart rhythm. The rate can present as too fast, too slow or as an irregular quivering. Without adequate flow, blood can pool, which increases the likelihood of clot formation and a fivefold increased risk for stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that over 12.1 million Americans will likely suffer from AFib by 2030.
Some patients with AFib do not experience any symptoms. For those who are symptomatic, the presentation can range from paroxysmal onset that self-resolves to persistent, long-standing, or permanent irregularity that requires medical or surgical intervention. The arrythmia and atrial fibrillation program at Novant Health focuses on carefully considering the needs of every patient, with personalized treatment plans that take individual health goals into consideration.
“Not everyone understands AFib’s risks and symptoms,” said Thomas Kambur, MD, clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Novant Health. “AFib can have significant effects on a patients’ energy levels and long-term quality of life. Treating AFib may start with lifestyle changes, but if symptoms persist, it is necessary to look for other options. When antiarrhythmic drug therapy is not appropriate,
Dr. Kambur advocates for minimally invasive catheter ablation. “It is often reasonable to do an ablation before trying drug therapy,” he said.
“We know ablations are effective and safe. And today, it’s a short procedure with same-day discharge most of the time.”
Ablation capabilities are expanding at Novant Health. In the last few years, electrophysiologists have incorporated use of the Medtronic CardioInsight Noninvasive 3D Mapping System, which allows the cardiac team to systematically confirm the origin of the abnormal rhythm in real time and validate the need for intervention. With pre-procedural mapping, experts can adapt ablation to individually treat each patient, with enhanced accuracy and improved outcomes.
In early 2024, Novant Health proudly performed pulsed-field ablation, a novel FDA-approved atrial fibrillation treatment. The goal of therapy is to achieve more efficient results through the integration of a precise mapping catheter and electrodes that target friable heart cells. The benefit of this technology is that it can effectively focus on abnormal areas of the heart without posing risk to other nearby tissue.
The advantage with pulsed-field ablation is using an electrical field instead of thermal temperature to correct the problem. Clinical trials suggest that this will lead to safer outcomes and shorter procedures.
Clinical device trials to treat AFib
Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute participates in clinical trials of new medical devices and therapies that have the potential to benefit cardiology patients everywhere.
In late 2023, Novant Health was chosen as one of the first clinical trial sites in the United States to test the WATCHMAN FLX Pro, a left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device posited to offer a permanent solution for AFib while reducing the risk of stroke and the need for systemic blood thinners. While WATCHMAN devices have been available for over 20 years, this updated version features a hemo-compatible coating to allow for better endothelialization and the addition of three radiopaque markers that aid in positioning and securing the device with improved visual accuracy.
The FDA-approved device is an innovative option for patients with nonvalvular AFib who need an alternative to long-term anticoagulation therapy. It is a minimally invasive, one-time procedure intended to reduce the risk of strokes that originate in the LAA.
Several Novant Health hospitals are certified to perform this procedure. Cardiologists are trained using a multiphasic approach that includes didactic coursework, specialized instruction on imaging, training to properly perform inpatient selection and device selection, and complication management. Clinical trials have validated procedural safety and closure efficacy, with lasting stability and complete seal of the LAA.
Novant Health is of the early sites to use this device. Its biggest benefit is its ability to reduce the risk of stroke in certain patients and to eliminate risks associated with blood thinners, allowing them to live healthier lives.
Early detection and referral
Ignoring the signs and symptoms of AFib can have serious consequences. Over time, improper management can weaken the heart muscle, eventually leading to heart failure. The keys to protecting the heart and preserving function are earlier detection and referral to a specialist.
Novant Health offers comprehensive arrythmia management, with expedited care available through our Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Clinic. The expert, multidisciplinary team partners with each patient to take an integrated approach, considering individual risk factors and crafting a customized care plan that proactively considers a wide range of available treatment options.
