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CMMC first hospital in Maine to use new procedure for treating Atrial fibrillation
The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI), which is located at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, became the first hospital in Maine on Monday to successfully treat atrial fibrillation using non-thermal equipment that is designed to minimize potential damage to the heart.
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the top two chambers of the heart, the atria, beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation). Afib, the most common type of arrhythmia, can decrease the heart’s pumping efficiency and lead to stroke.
Ablation is a procedure that treats Afib by using small burns or freezes to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms.
“The major problem with the traditional type of ablation is it can damage the structures around the heart, including the esophagus and the nerves that help us to breath,” said Dionyssius Robotis, MD, an electrophysiologist at CMMC who performed the procedure. “By contrast, the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System that was used for the first time at CMMC this week, relies on tissue selective, non-thermal electric fields to ablate heart tissue and avoid further damage”
According to Dr. Joseph Dell’Orfano, director of Electrophysiogy at CMHVI, “Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem and is on the rise, affecting one in four patients over the age of 40. It’s very exciting that we now have an effective treatment that is also much safer to offer the people of Central Maine.” Dr. Dell’Orfano assisted Dr. Robotis during the first in Maine procedure.
CMMC cardiovascular surgeons reach milestone with procedure for high-risk patients
The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI), which is part of Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), recently completed its 50th TCAR procedure.
TCAR stands for Transcarotid Artery Revascularization, a minimally invasive procedure that can clear blockages and open a narrowed carotid artery. It’s especially effective in high-risk patients. The procedure was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015.
“TCAR can deliver a stent to a diseased area of the carotid artery, while minimizing the risk of stroke to an at-risk patient,” said Felecia Jinwala, MD, a vascular surgeon at CMHVI. “TCAR can be a great alternative to carotid endarterectomy and allows us to offer a full spectrum of carotid interventions for our patients.”
CMHVI’s vascular lab recently earned a three-year accreditation in peripheral arterial, peripheral venous and extracranial cerebrovascular testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.
Central Maine Healthcare honors its Certified Nurses
Central Maine Healthcare joined the rest of the medical world this week in recognizing its certified nurses.
March 19 was Certified Nurses Day which is an occasion to publicly acknowledge nurses who earn and maintain the highest credentials in their specialty and contribute to better patient outcomes through their advanced certifications.
“I wanted to get certified to be a role model for my department and to lead by example,” said Amander Wotten, MSN, RN, CEN, an Emergency Department nurse leader at Bridgton Hospital, which is part of Central Maine Healthcare. “Certifications are a great way to show the community we are the very best at what we do and are constantly committed to learning more. As a leader, it builds credibility with your team and connects you to many resources that can benefit colleagues and patients alike.”
“Being certified is about intentionally gaining the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based care to our patients,” said Gisele Castonguay, RN, CWOCN. Gisele is a registered nurse who is certified in wound, ostomy and continence. “It has allowed me to earn the acceptance and respect of those who refer patients to me,” she said.
According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), nursing certification covers a wide range of specialties, such as medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiac vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing, critical care and many others.
The significance of certified nurses has been especially profound in recent years, as they have been at the forefront of the global healthcare response, providing vital care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New pediatric providers at Central Maine Medical Center now accepting patients
Three new pediatric providers at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), which is part of Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), are now accepting new patients.
The addition of these new providers significantly addresses the recent shortage of pediatric services in the central Maine region.
Molly Skog is a nurse practitioner (NP) who received her undergraduate degree from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish and completed her pediatric nurse practitioner training at Boston College.
Zachary Newton, MD, also received his undergraduate degree in Maine, at Colby College. He attended medical school at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Georgia and completed his residency at Dartmouth Health Children’s in New Hampshire.
Claire Watson is a nurse practitioner who attended the University of Utah. She worked in Las Vegas before coming to Maine. Watson says providing strong preventative and mental health care for children are the keys to building healthy adults.
“The people of central Maine are very fortunate to have all three of these exceptional medical professionals here in our community, “said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, chief of women’s and children’s health at Central Maine Healthcare. “They join an all-star cast of providers, including Jared Morin, NP, David Baker, DO, Erin Van Wagenen, MD, and a kind, thoughtful office staff. We encourage any parent who is looking for a pediatrician to call Central Maine Pediatrics for an appointment.”
Those wishing to schedule an appointment with Central Maine Pediatrics should call 207-795-5730.