New treatment for atrial fibrillation reduces stroke risk
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 - 12:30
in Health & Medicine
A new nonsurgical technique called the LARIAT Suture Delivery Device is now in use to treat patients with atrial fibrillation, or A-Fib, who cannot tolerate blood thinning medication. A-Fib is the most common heart rhythm disorder that causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat fast and erratically. An estimated 2.7 million Americans are living with the disorder, and if uncontrolled, can have serious consequences including stroke and early death. Currently the condition accounts for more than 20 percent of stroke-related deaths.