State-of-the-Art Imaging System Offers Enhanced Visualization for Treating Arrhythmia Patients
Brownsville, Texas, August 24, 2012 – Valley Regional Medical Center (VRMC) is proud to announce that it will offer patients a new, advanced imaging technology to treat cardiac arrhythmias, commonly known as irregular heart rhythms. The imaging technology, recently acquired by VRMC, is the newly FDA-cleared CARTO® 3 Navigation System, from Biosense Webster, Inc., a worldwide leader in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
This three-dimensional imaging system allows doctors to quickly and accurately visualize cardiac anatomy and is especially useful in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, or AFIB. AFIB is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm in the United States, affecting an estimated five and a half million people and is increasing due to the rise in the aging population.
“Imaging with the new CARTO® 3 System puts us at the forefront of being able to visualize and treat nearly every type of arrhythmia,” says Bill Brown, Cath Lab Director, Department of Cardiology/Electrophysiology at Valley Regional MedicalCenter. “It also reinforces our commitment to helping the growing number of arrhythmia patients get fast, effective treatment.”
Valley Regional Medical Center offers a full range of interventional and electrophysiology procedures, including catheter ablation—a cure for many arrhythmias. In addition to the CARTO® 3 System doctors utilize the only FDA-approved catheter for treating AFIB, the NAVISTAR® THERMOCOOL® Irrigated Ablation Catheter also from Biosense Webster. THERMOCOOL® Navigation Catheters are specifically designed to be used with CARTO® 3 System, and allows the safest technique to treat AFIB.
“For years we have been treating a variety of cardiac arrhythmias in our state-of-the-art Electrophysiology Laboratory, avoiding the need for many patients to leave the Valley for such treatment,” says Dr. Frank Mazzola, Medical Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Program. “With our new imaging technologies, we can treat even the most complex of arrhythmias, so virtually no one has to leave their community to get the treatment they need.”
For two years in a row, VRMC has been honored with the Brownville Herald Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Hospital.” From emergency medicine and heart surgery to caring for tiny babies, Valley Regional is the hospital that families count on throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For more information about Valley Regional Medical Center, please visit our Web site at www.valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com or ask your doctor about different treatment options.
About Valley Regional Medical Center
Valley Regional Medical Center is conveniently located at the corner of Expressway 77 and Alton Gloor Blvd. With physicians representing over 25 specialties, Valley Regional Medical Center is a leader in a vast array of high quality programs, including, advanced diagnostic imaging, interventional cardiac catheterization, open heart surgery, cardiac electrophysiology, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, women’s services, pediatric services and neonatal intensive care. Our Emergency Department is designated as a Level III Trauma Center treating a wide range of emergent needs 24 hours a day. For more information on Valley Regional Medical Center’s programs and services, visit our website at www.valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com