MANCHESTER, NH — Elliot Health System has expanded its heart rhythm care program, giving patients in New Hampshire more local access to advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, and other heart rhythm disorders.
The expanded Electrophysiology program at Elliot Hospital now includes catheter ablation, a procedure used to treat irregular heart rhythms, as well as the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure implant program, which is designed to help reduce stroke risk in certain patients with AFib.
On Tuesday, May 5, Elliot completed its first atrial flutter ablation using the FARAPOINT™ Pulse Field Ablation catheter. According to Elliot, it marked the first commercial use of the catheter in New Hampshire, since receiving FDA approval.
The technology is designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms with greater precision while adapting to a patient’s individual heart anatomy. That same week, Elliot also performed its first two catheter ablations to treat AFib.
The first procedures were performed at Elliot Hospital in Manchester by Dr. Kevin C. Floyd, a board-certified electrophysiologist who recently joined Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants. Floyd has more than 20 years of experience and brings extensive expertise in catheter ablation and WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure procedures.
The expanded program is also supported by Dr. Tong Zhu, giving Elliot two experienced electrophysiologists focused on advanced care for patients with AFib and other heart rhythm conditions.
Elliot officials said the expanded services strengthen the Elliot Heart and Vascular Center’s role as a regional provider of comprehensive heart and vascular care. The goal is to allow more patients to receive specialized diagnosis, treatment, stroke-prevention care and long-term follow-up closer to home.
“By integrating advanced options like catheter ablation and the WATCHMAN™ LAAC program, we are enhancing the quality and coordination of AFib care available to our patients,” said Dr. Kevin Desrosiers, chief physician executive and senior vice president of medical affairs for Elliot Health System. “These advancements reflect our commitment to our extensive model for cardiovascular excellence to better support the health and well-being of the people we are privileged to serve.”
Floyd said he is honored to join the Elliot Heart and Vascular team during an important expansion of its electrophysiology services.
“I look forward to partnering with this exceptional team of cardiovascular medicine professionals to support pioneering advancements for heart patients and ensure access to the latest heart rhythm care for the communities we serve,” Floyd said.
Dr. Greg Baxter, president and CEO of Elliot Health System, said demand for advanced cardiac care continues to grow across New Hampshire.
“As Southern New Hampshire’s comprehensive provider of cardiac services, we’re proud to provide our residents with a complete suite of advanced services so they have the option to stay in the region for their care,” Baxter said.
Patients and referring physicians seeking more information about the Elliot Electrophysiology program, catheter ablation or the WATCHMAN™ implant may contact the Elliot Heart and Vascular Center at 603-627-1669 or visit ElliotHospital.org/EP.