As Valentine’s Day (and Singles Awareness Day) approaches, some might be searching for a cure for a broken heart.
While there’s no universal cure for heartbreak, new research at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit shows that 3-D imaging can help.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat, affects more than 5 million Americans. Left untreated, AFib increases the risk of heart-related death and stroke. Surgery to implant a left atrial appendage closure device, known as a Watchman device, lowers the risk of stroke and reduces the need for blood thinners in patients with AFib.
A recent study, led by Henry Ford cardiologist Dee Dee Wang, showed a 100 percent success rate in the implantation of a Watchman device when 3-D imaging was used instead of 2-D imaging. This procedure also resulted in a zero percent complication rate when 3-D imaging was used, compared with the national average of 16.3 percent.
Wang’s team found that 3-D imaging decreased the length of the procedure by 34 minutes, leading to quicker patient recovery. In addition, using 3-D imaging helped reduce catheter movement inside the heart and the number of last-minute decisions, which minimizes the risk of complications, according to Wang.
Henry Ford Hospital’s innovative research reflects essential hospitals’ commitment to improving patient outcomes and delivering the most efficient and effective care for those in need.
