AdventHealth Sebring | Living Well | November 2020

5 Get in QuickER. Get care faster. Life is unpredictable. When an emergency happens, and it’s not life-threatening, you can let us know you’re coming. At AdventHealth, you can schedule an Emergency Department (ER) treatment time online and wait at home until your time to be seen. Our ER experts will be ready for your arrival. Schedule online at GetInQuickER.com . In the case of a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911. Tiny tech, huge results AdventHealth Sebring is the only Heartland hospital to offer Micra™ AV, the world’s smallest pacemaker with atrioventricular (AV) synchrony. This new vitamin-sized device was approved by the FDA in January 2020 for the treatment of patients with AV block and extends the most advanced pacing technology — at one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker — to more patients than ever before. The first procedure of its kind was performed by Safi U. Ahmed, MD, board-certified electrophysiologist with AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Sun ‘N Lake. AV block is a type of heart block in which the electrical signals between the chambers of the heart (the atria and the ventricles) are impaired. Pacemakers, the most common way to treat AV block, help restore the heart’s normal rhythm and relieve symptoms by coordinating the electrical activity of the atria and the ventricles. The Micra AV advantage Dr. Ahmed and other physicians at AdventHealth Sebring have elected to use Medtronic’s Micra AV based on its ability to deliver therapy via a minimally-invasive approach. During the implant procedure, the device is inserted through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart with small tines. Because Micra AV does not require leads or a surgical “ pocket ” under the skin, potential complications related to leads and pockets are eliminated — as are any visible signs of the device. Safi U. Ahmed, MD lower risk of stroke as compared to more traditional approaches,” says Myron St. Louis, MD, board- certified vascular surgeon at AdventHealth Medical Group General and Vascular Surgery at Sun ‘N Lake. Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was a surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy. While this technique protects the brain during the procedure, the large incision leaves a visible and lengthy scar across the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swallowing, speaking and sensation in the face. State-of-the-art treatment “This new, ultramodern procedure helps us prevent strokes in patients who are higher risk for traditional surgery, many of whom were previously considered untreatable,” says Dr. St. Louis. “With TCAR, we can perform a minimally-invasive procedure through a tiny incision in the lower neck that offers a safe alternative compared to traditional surgery, opening the door for many new patients to be safely and effectively treated.” TCAR is a state-of-the-art procedure that blends the advantages of traditional carotid endarterectomy (incision in the neck) and stenting. This safe procedure requires a small incision point in the neck (near the collar bone) and another small incision point in the groin. TCAR is less invasive, reduces the risk of stroke and has a quick recovery time (with most patients going home in less than 24 hours). To schedule your appointment with Dr. St. Louis, visit AHMGHeartland.com or call 863-385-1900 . TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT with Dr. Ahmed, visit AHMGHeartland.com o r call 863-386-0055 .