AFib Patients Benefit From Comprehensive Approach at TMH
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to care that begins at diagnosis and continues through treatment. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is a regional leader in incorporating state-of-the-art treatment technologies into clinical practice.
AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 6 million people, according to the CDC—a figure expected to double over the next decade.
The condition carries a nearly fivefold increased risk for stroke1 and the potential for more severe transient ischemic attacks, making early diagnosis critical.
Using remote monitoring of implanted devices, the TMH Heart Rhythm Program team can typically identify new-onset AFib and initiate oral anticoagulation within 24 to 48 hours.
“We offer the most comprehensive care in the region for AFib and other arrhythmias. Our work starts with an initial assessment and includes guiding patients through lifestyle modifications, medications and comprehensive procedural approaches to manage AFib and reduce stroke risk,” said Venkata Bavikati, MD, an electrophysiologist with TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group. “The ultimate goals of AFib management are stroke prevention and symptom control, and we have outstanding outcomes in those areas.”
The heart rhythm team includes electrophysiologists, specialized electrophysiology nurse practitioners, dedicated device nurses (monitoring patients with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators), lab nurses and technicians, sleep specialists, and bariatric and metabolic health support when needed. Additionally, an AFib coordinator follows all patients from the initial assessment to ensure adherence to and effectiveness of treatment.
The team offers a full range of medical and surgical approaches. TMH is a high-volume ablation center where surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including radiofrequency ablation and the newer pulsed-field ablation technique.
Pulsed-field ablation uses electrical fields to create tiny holes in heart muscle cell membranes, destroying the cells responsible for irregular heart rhythms while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
TMH electrophysiologists also perform state-of-the-art procedures for left atrial appendage occlusion to reduce the risk for thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular AFib who are not candidates for long-term anticoagulation.
This includes surgical implantation of the Watchman device (Boston Scientific) into the left atrium, where it blocks clots from entering the bloodstream.
The team also employs the Vein of Marshall ethanol infusion approach to improve outcomes for ablations.
“This is a useful strategy for patients with persistent AFib who are at high risk for recurrence,” Dr. Bavikati explained. “You will not find this level of team-based care anywhere else in the Big Bend area.”
References
- Wolf PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke. 1991;22:983-988.
- Nakase M, Tomii D, Heg D, et al. Association of atrial fibrillation with survival in patients with low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction undergoing TAVI. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. 2024;10(3):246-255.
- Verma A, Haines DE, Boersma LV, et al; PULSED AF Investigators. Influence of monitoring and atrial arrhythmia burden on quality of life and health care utilization in patients undergoing pulsed field ablation: a secondary analysis of the PULSED AF trial. Heart Rhythm. 2023;20(9):1238-1245.
Research and Clinical Trials
Our heart and vascular team has been conducting research at TMH for more than 20 years, participating in over 150 trials.
Information on these studies can be found on our clinical trials page. To refer or inquire about our heart and vascular trials, contact our partners at the Tallahassee Research Institute, Inc. at 850-431-5024.
Our Locations
Heart Care +2 more
TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group - Heart Rhythm Clinic
2100 Centerville Road - Tallahassee, FL 32308
Heart Care +2 more
TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group - Heart Failure
1609 Physicians Drive - Tallahassee, FL 32308
