New CARTO 3 technology allows advanced mapping resulting in better patient outcomes
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL., DEC 20, 2012. Florida Hospital Zephyrhills recently completed a ventricular tachycardia ablation procedure utilizing the CARTO 3 3-D magnetic navigation technology, the latest technology available. Ventricular tachycardia, or VT, is an abnormal heart rhythm originating from the heart ventricles. This condition is usually caused by weaker or scarred heart tissue, which causes rapid heart rate which can lead to reduced or impaired blood flow to the brain and body. This results in patients feeling lightheaded or dizzy; in addition, the patient must be continuously shocked out of VT until the ablation is completed. Left untreated, the condition gradually worsens and can eventually lead to ventricular fibrillation, which will cause sudden cardiac death.

Through a catheter inserted into the groin, the physician enters the heart ventricle via transeptal approach and maps out the structure of the ventricle as well as the health of the heart tissue. Using this data, the CARTO 3 creates a three-dimensional model of the heart. This information is used by the physician to develop a strategy of what tissues need to be ablated in order to enable correct rhythm for the patient. The 3-D model also creates a real-time activation map to pinpoint the origin of the arrhythmia.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this minimally-invasive procedure to our patients,” said Gwen Alonso, AVP of the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Heart Institute, “this treatment offers faster healing and recovery and is a great alternative to traditional treatments. This is truly a lifesaving procedure.”

“This is state-of-the-art patient care, “said Dr. Nadim Khan, MD, the physician who performed the procedure, “the fact that patients can receive this advanced care in Zephyrhills, close to home and family, is a wonderful testament to the investment that the hospital has made in caring for the community.”

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About Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is a 139-bed regional medical center located in East Pasco County. It is a member of the Florida Hospital network of Adventist Health System, the largest health care provider in the state. Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has an award-winning Heart Institute and is the only Tampa Bay Area Hospital to receive the 2010 HealthGrades Excellence Award for Coronary Intervention. The only nationally accredited chest pain center in East Pasco County, the Heart Institute is also one of only ten nationally accredited heart failure hospitals in the country. In 2012 Florida Hospital Zephyrhills launched a comprehensive Neuroscience Institute to immediately respond to acute strokes and provide brain surgery, spine surgery and minimally invasive neuro-interventions. The hospital offers robotic partial knee replacement through its Orthopaedic Institute. It also offers emergency services, surgical services, obstetrics and the Simpson Breast Health Center. Visit www.fhzeph.org for more information