New hope for heart patients

Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT)—a life-threatening heart arrhythmia that originates in the bottom chambers of the heart—can cause sudden cardiac arrest. VT has traditionally been managed with anti-arrhythmia drugs, as well as a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): The ICD is placed in the chest, like a pacemaker, and is connected with wires to the heart. When the ICD senses VT, it emits a shock to correct it, restoring the heart’s normal rhythm.

Emerging as the early standard of care for VT patients is catheter ablation, used along with traditional methods. During ablation, a soft, thin, flexible catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin and guided into the heart. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered from the tip of the catheter, for the arrhythmia. According to recent data, early catheter ablation offers a clear benefit to VT patients. Technological advances, such as the Stereotaxis Remote Magnetic Navigation System, have increased the safety of this procedure while offering the best long-term results. Deborah Heart and Lung Center, a high-volume center of excellence for VT ablation, is one of the few hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with this system.

According to Deborah electrophysiologist Edmund Karam, M.D., the evidence for using the Stereotaxis equipment as an earlier and more aggressive VT treatment is strong and clear.

"Fortunately, our technique and technology afford us a safe and effective way to treat VT to reduce or eliminate ICD shocks," says Dr. Karam. "The goal of VT ablation is to extend longevity and improve quality of life. Our Stereotaxis robotic equipment has helped make this procedure safer than ever before. We're pleased to offer this technology to the residents of New Jersey and the Delaware Valley who have this potentially lethal condition."

Deborah patient William Marucci's wife Jayne agrees. "When Bill had his ablation, the physicians knew exactly what they were doing. He got the best-of-the-best care at Deborah. We would never go anywhere else."

To learn more about Deborah’s advanced cardiac services, call us at 1-800-555-1990 or visit www.deborah.org