Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center's “Nurse Navigator” Program Gives Patients Long-Term, One-on-One Care

AUSTIN, Texas—More than 2 million Americans are affected by a cardiac rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation, or A Fib. If left untreated, A Fib can lead to congestive heart failure or stroke. For many patients, undergoing a procedure called cardiac ablation to treat A Fib means they can stop taking blood-thinning medications.

Austin is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting A Fib—Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center (TCAI). TCAI is led by Andrea Natale, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S, electrophysiologist and executive medical director of TCAI. A world-renowned expert on abnormal heart rhythms such as A Fib, Natale is at the forefront of the advancement of treatment for A Fib. He leads numerous clinical trials and participates in the development of new technologies and procedures.

TCAI features the most advanced facility in the country, exceptional technology and a team of physicians, nurses and technicians to provide personalized treatment.

Unique to TCAI is the “Nurse Navigator” program in which each patient has a nurse trained in the treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders to guide them through the treatment process and for up to one year following an ablation procedure.

“St. David’s has made a tremendous commitment to the patient in hiring registered nurses to make sure that the patients are well taken care of, from the first phone call to the time that they get back home,” Karla Wolter, RN, nurse educator, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center, said. “The role of a nurse navigator is coordinating with the patient, getting them to the hospital safely and efficiently, making sure they have the right ablation appointments and providing proper education before and after the procedure. We keep in close contact with them for up to a year.”

Fabricio Oberto—a former Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs basketball player— is a TCAI patient. After undergoing an ablation procedure in 2009, Oberto no longer needs to wear a monitor to track his heart rhythm.

“I am thankful for Dr. Natale and his team for giving me the chance to continue doing what I love—playing basketball,” Oberto said. “For me, the decision to have this procedure was an easy one, especially since I have a physician I can trust. Ongoing support by the staff at TCAI has also made my recovery simple.”


Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center (TCAI) is one of the world’s preeminent centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting abnormal heart rhythms such as Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib). The center is led by Executive Medical Director Andrea Natale, M.D., a world-renowned expert in the field. Natale is at the forefront of advancing treatment for A Fib, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures. For more information, please visit TCAInstitute.com.



St. David’s Medical Center

St. David’s Medical Center, located at 919 East 32nd Street off of IH35, is owned by St. David’s HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas. Founded in 1924, St. David’s Medical Center includes a 347-bed, acute care hospital, and a dedicated 64-bed Rehabilitation Hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. St. David’s Medical Center is home to the renowned NeuroTexas Institute, (including the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention and designation as a Primary Stroke Center); the acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; high-level women’s services with Level I, II and III nurseries; a Bariatric Center of Excellence; the Breast Center; orthopedic services; and a 24-hour emergency department. In 2010, St. David’s Medical Center was named to the list of 100 Top Hospitals by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. For more information, please visit StDavidsMedicalCenter.com.