Hybrid ablation is used as treatment for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (A-fib), the most severe form of the condition affecting about 45% of A-fib patients. Steven M. Peterson, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Structural Heart Program, gave a clinical case review of a hybrid ablation procedure. He was joined by Kent…
New American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidance strongly recommends coronary computed tomography (CT) imaging as a noninvasive, first-line tool for evaluating patients with stable chest pain suspected of having possible coronary artery disease (CAD). The new guideline cites high-quality evidence in concluding coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is “effective for diagnosis of CAD, risk…
A group of Norton Healthcare physicians is using a novel approach to mitral valve repair. Research has shown that many patients with suture-based left atrial appendage surgical ligation have incomplete closure that puts them at risk for thromboembolic events. Closure of the LAA, either via percutaneous or surgical methods, could decrease risk. Thrombi typically arise…
The patient A 33-year-old male presented with a history of a bicuspid aortic valve. He had previously undergone two aortic valve replacements. The patient first underwent aortic valve replacement in 2009 due to severe aortic insufficiency. A porcine valve was selected due to the patient’s status as a competitive football player. The patient’s recovery for…
Ayryn P. Chilton-Gelfo, PA-C, has joined Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. The physician assistant is seeing patients in offices in downtown Louisville, on the Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Brownsboro Hospital and Norton Healthcare – St. Matthews campuses, and on Dixie Highway. Most recently, Ayryn worked at Norton Healthcare emergency departments for 14 years. Before that,…
A multidisciplinary team of interventional cardiologists and a cardiothoracic surgeon performed Louisville’s first successful transcatheter replacement of a native mitral valve this week. The team with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Structural Heart Program used a transcatheter aortic valve (commonly referred to as TAVR) to replace the patient’s mitral valve that was unable to be…
The American College of Cardiology recognizes exceptional care at cardiology hospitals with its HeartCare Center National Distinction of Excellence award. The award recognizes forward-thinking heart hospitals with goals to advance the cause of sustainable quality improvement. Specifically, the 54,000-member college requires HeartCare Centers to demonstrate their “commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care through comprehensive process…
Compared with usual care, implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) detected significantly more atrial fibrillation (AF) events in stroke patients who likely would not have been monitored long term for AF otherwise, according to a study published recently in JAMA. The trial, Stroke of Known Cause and Underlying Atrial Fibrillation, STROKE-AF trial for short, looked at patients…
Visiting Louisville on a business trip, Rob Priest thought he might have come down with a terrible case of food poisoning. The pain was so bad that he called 911 from his hotel. When Rob arrived by ambulance at Norton Audubon Hospital, he learned the truth was far worse than a tainted meal. Rob had…
When someone 35 or younger complains of symptoms concerning for heart disease, such as palpitations, shortness of breath or chest pains, we see them at the new Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Young Adult Cardiology Clinic, located on the campus of Norton Brownsboro Hospital. More and more young people come to us anxious about their…
Using scheduled, intentional touch points for follow-up care, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is aiming to drive down the readmission rate for heart failure patients and those who’ve had open heart surgery. Mindful that heart failure readmissions typically happen in the first two weeks after discharge, all three touch points take place in that time…
For patients with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) not caused by a heart valve issue, with at least moderate risk of stroke and issues taking long-term blood thinners, the Watchman device offers an alternative. The left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device significantly lowers stroke risk and can reduce or eliminate the need for long-term anticoagulation. Patients with…