CVC News > CVC Starts New Congestive Heart Failure Clinic - First of its Kind in Phoenix
Cardiovascular Consultants Ltd. Announces New Heart Failure Clinic
Phoenix clinic dedicated to early intervention and advanced technology
For improved outcomes and quality of life
PHOENIX – February 25, 2008 – Cardiovascular Consultants Ltd (CVC), one of the largest providers of comprehensive cardiovascular care in the Southwestern United States, today announced the opening of its new heart failure clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.
“The heart failure clinic’s goal is early identification and treatment through best practices enhanced by the latest technology,” said Dr. Marc Kates, heart failure specialist and clinic director. “Continuous monitoring and early intervention are keys to improved outcomes and patient quality of life.”
New tool makes monitoring automatic, convenient – and intelligent
The CVC Heart Failure Clinic is utilizing state of the art remote monitoring of heart failure patients via wireless radiofrequency telemetry, added Kates. Not only does this intelligent technology provide automatic, at-home monitoring without an office visit or patient action, it also enables CVC cardiovascular specialists to address issues early on, often precluding hospitalization.
LATITUDE® Patient Management System developed by Boston Scientific and CARELINK® Remote Monitoring System developed by Medtronic are being utilized by the CVC Heart Failure Clinic. Participating patients receive a small implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) device. They are then automatically monitored by a home communicator, which transmits data regularly and securely to the clinic and its physicians.
Wireless telemetry monitors the patient’s heart rhythm along with additional heart failure data. When the system notes problematic changes in patient status, it automatically alerts a heart failure specialist and an electrophysiologist for immediate action.
Uncovering “silent” symptoms, ensuring peace of mind
Dr. Andy Tran, CVC electrophysiologist responsible for CRT-D device functionality assurance and patient implantation, highlighted the benefits of these systems: “New disease management technology such as wireless remote monitoring may enable early diagnosis and treatment of heart failure by signaling ‘silent’ symptoms including atrial fibrillation, as well as ensuring proper device function.”
Patients and their families also report increased peace of mind and comfort knowing that both the device and the patient’s heart health are being monitored 24/7, 365 days-a-year without any action on their part. Currently, more than 600 patients nationwide participate in the study.
According to the American Heart Association, heart failure affects an estimated five million Americans, with 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Heart failure is the number one cost to the U.S. healthcare system and a leading cause of hospitalization.
About Cardiovascular Consultants Ltd.
Cardiovascular Consultants Ltd., founded in 1986 by Dr. Andrei Damian, is dedicated to providing patients in Phoenix and surrounding areas with the most advanced and appropriate cardiovascular care to achieve quality of life. Today Cardiovascular Consultants has 26 physicians and 10 mid-level providers in 13 locations, and is one of the largest cardiovascular groups in the Southwestern United States. Visit Cardiovascular Consultants at www.cvcheart.com.
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