Arizona Heart Hospital First In State To Use New Technology To Treat Irregular Heart Rhythm

Abrazo Health’s Arizona Heart Hospital is the first in Arizona to test the new nMARQ device in the treatment of irregular heart rhythm.

Dr. Vijay Swarup, an electrophysiologist on staff at Arizona Heart Hospital, is principal investigator for the study which began in August in collaboration with Arizona Heart Rhythm Center.

“We want patients to return to normal heart rhythm and have an improved quality of life. The nMARQ catheter may be an important advance toward that goal,” Swarup said.

Nearly 3 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. This common heart disorder occurs when electrical signals in the heart become irregular, causing the heart’s upper chamber to beat out of rhythm. Patients with atrial fibrillation often experience reduced quality of life and have symptoms such as a rapid pulse, confusion, dizziness, fainting, fatigue and shortness of breath. Atrial fibrillation is a progressive disease and may increase in severity and frequency if left untreated. It is a leading cause of stroke among people 65 years and older.

Arizona Heart Hospital is among sites nationally that is enrolling patients to do the clinical study for the nMARQ device produced by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Biosense Webster. The nMARQ catheter is a circular ablation system that uses multiple electrodes and an irrigated catheter to deliver energy to areas of the heart’s muscles associated with irregular heart rhythms.

New technology to treat irregular heart rhythm

In the past, there were few options available for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, primarily through medications. In recent years, ablation technology has allowed electrophysiologists to treat the problem at the source, the electrical system of the heart. Without ablation, those with atrial fibrillation will experience worsening medical symptoms and need to be on blood thinners and other medications for life, Swarup said.

“As a facility we are glad to have the opportunity of researching this type of technology to further the field of electrophysiology,” said Arizona Heart Hospital President Stephen Harris.

With skilled physicians, state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques, Arizona Heart is at the forefront of identifying innovative solutions and utilizing research to attack and overcome heart and vascular disease. Areas of specialty include cardiac ablations treatment for arrhythmia disease, structural heart disease treatments such as valve replacement surgery; and a Vascular Fellowship.

Arizona Heart Hospital has received several awards including recognition as one of Truven Top 50 hospitals for Heart Care and it ranked in the top 5 out of Tenet’s 80 hospitals for quality and growth.

About Abrazo Health

As the second largest health care delivery system in Arizona, Abrazo Health is committed to providing excellent medical care to the residents of Maricopa County. The Abrazo system includes five acute care hospitals: Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Paradise Valley Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital; and one specialized cardiovascular hospital, Arizona Heart Hospital; with a combined 1,059 licensed beds. In addition, the system consists of two emergency centers, one urgent care center, Phoenix Health Plans, 13 Abrazo Medical Group offices and School-Based Health Centers. Visit AbrazoHealth.com for more information.

About Arizona Heart Rhythm Center

Arizona Heart Rhythm Center has a dedicated team of professionals focusing on heart rhythm abnormalities. Each patient is treated as an individual with specific needs and emotional responses to his or her symptoms and concerns. Patients and staff work together as partners in the task of restoring good health and quality of life. For more information, visit www.azheartrhythmcenter.com.