All News

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center Recognized for Innovation By Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

AUSTIN, Texas-At the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce's Annual Greater Austin Business Awards ceremony on August 26, 2009, the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center (TCAI) received the honor for innovation. This classification recognizes an organization in any industry that introduces a new idea, device or approach to doing business.

"We are honored to have been named one of the top innovative businesses in Central Texas," Richard Hammett, chief operating officer at St. David's Medical Center, said. "TCAI is committed to furthering the understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and we are encouraged by this designation."

Created in 2001, the Greater Austin Business Awards program grants awards in the following categories: Innovation, Community Relations, Customer Service, Education, Environment and Take on Traffic. In each category, a small, medium, large and non-profit winner from the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area is recognized. TCAI was chosen as the winner in the large business category for innovation-and was one of 24 winners from a total of nearly 300 nominations.

TCAI was selected for its commitment to the successful treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, including sharing its research with physicians worldwide, and providing timely, convenient access to its latest clinical trials, published papers and technical innovations.

TCAI provides specialized care for heart rhythm disorders with an unmatched level of experience and technology. Under Dr. Andrea Natale's leadership, the Institute has made extraordinary strides in physician training and clinical research related to heart rhythm disorders. It has drawn thousands of patients-many from outside the region-for the advanced treatment of heart rhythm disorders, a level of treatment that patients cannot get anywhere else in the country. TCAI served nearly 600 patients from outside Central Texas in 2008, representing about one-fourth of its patient base.

TCAI is at the forefront of medical research. Earlier this year, doctors at TCAI were part of an international team that traveled to Krakow, Poland, to pioneer a new procedure to treat A Fib, a heart arrhythmia that affects about 2.2 million adults in the United States. During the trip, the entire team performed the first such procedure in the world, bringing together the expertise of cardiac surgeons and electrophysiologists. Additionally, physicians at TCAI were the first in the nation to use a new technology, the NaviStar® RMT ThermoCool® Catheter for radiofrequency (RF) ablation, to treat A Fib. TCAI was the first facility in the country to use the technology after it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

TCAI has been a world leader in the development and use of remote and robotic therapies. In late 2008, TCAI became the first center in the United States to use (on a trial basis) the Velocity system, the next generation 3D mapping system.

- # -

St. David's Medical Center

Founded in 1924, St. David's Medical Center is the flagship hospital of St. David's HealthCare. Located within minutes of downtown Austin at 32nd Street and IH35, St. David's Medical Center's comprehensive care services include specialties in neurology and neurosurgery, including the renowned NeuroTexas Institute and the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention; cardiac services, including the acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute mentioned above; a Bariatric Center of Excellence; maternity and newborn services with Level I, II and III nurseries; orthopedics; inpatient and outpatient surgery; and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. The medical center includes St. David's Hospital (acute care) and St. David's Rehabilitation Center (physical medicine and rehabilitation). The 347-bed hospital features a 24-hour emergency department. St. David's Medical Center is a designated Primary Stroke Center and a nationally certified Chest Pain Center. For more information, please visit www.StDavids.com/sdmc.aspx.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia/Texas Cardiovascular Consultants

Founded in 1996 by Rodney P. Horton, M.D., Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, now a division of Texas Cardiovascular Consultants, has performed thousands of electrophysiology procedures and cared for thousands of patients, providing state of the art care in Texas as well as in Central and South America. The team participates in clinical research offering patients the latest technology while ensuring that physicians remain on the cutting edge. For more information about clinics throughout Austin and surrounding countries, as well as in Waco, Bryan, College Station, San Angelo, Temple, Killeen, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Odessa-please visit www.TCAheart.com.
 
Founded in 1995, Texas Cardiovascular believes the successful delivery of effective cardiovascular care and health management depends on the establishment of a close working relationship with the patient, the availability of all of the latest diagnostic technologies, and physicians trained in all state-of-the-art techniques to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. With more than 35 physicians and seven full-time offices, Texas Cardiovascular cares for patients throughout Central Texas and statewide.