Cnrstn 09.10 - Winthrop University Hospital

Hypertrophic CardiomyopathySummer/Fall • 2010(continued from page 3)ing the latest options in minimallyinvasive treatment.After a comprehensive assessmentthat involved extensive diagnostic testingincluding a transesophagealechocardiogram (TEE) to test the overallfunction of Ms. Sachs’s heart valvesand chambers, Dr. Naidu presentedMs. Sachs with two options for treatment– open heart surgery with valvereplacement, or alcohol septal ablation,a less invasive alternative to surgery.“Although I had not beenin the hospital since mydaughter was born over 33years ago, I wasn’t at all afraid– I had full faith that Dr. Naiduwas going to help me.”Appropriate for patients withsevere HCM symptoms who meet strictclinical and anatomic criteria, alcoholseptal ablation involves the preciselycontrolled injection of a small amountLeftCircumflexArtery (LCA)Wanda SachsCatheterA temporary pacemakerregulates the heartbeatduring the procedureLeft AnteriorDescendingArtery (LAD)A ballooncatheter in theseptal arterythrough whichalcohol iscarefullyinfusedAn angiogram of the alcohol septal ablation procedureperformed on Wanda Sachs.of pure alcohol into the thickened septum– the dividing wall between theright and left sides of the heart. Thealcohol destroys some of the excessiveheart muscle cells on the septum,replacing them with thinner scar tissue,which improves the blood flow outof the heart. Since introducing thisadvanced technique at Winthrop in2007, Dr. Naidu has successfully treateddozens of patients – the most of anyinstitution in the New York Metro area.“Alcohol septal ablation is aneffective, minimally invasive treatmenttechnique for qualified HCMpatients in whom medical therapy hasfailed,” said Dr. Naidu, who is frequentlyasked to lecture on and teachthe technique both locally and nationally.What’s more, Dr. Naidu wasrecently appointed to the AmericanCollege of Cardiology/American HeartAssociation’s Guideline WritingCommittee for the Diagnosis andManagement of HCM. These guidelines,due out in 2011, will assisthealthcare providers nationwide inclinical decision making for the diagnosisand management ofthe disease.Not ready to undergoopen surgery, Ms. Sachsopted for the alcohol septalablation procedure atWinthrop in June 2010.“Although I had not beenin the hospital since mydaughter was born over 33years ago, I wasn’t at allafraid – I had full faith thatDr. Naidu was going to helpme,” she said.The procedure, whichtakes approximately onehour during which patientsare fully awake, was a greatsuccess thanks to Dr.Naidu’s extensive experienceWinthrop is partnering with the NewYork Islanders to raise HCM awarenessin the community. Workingwith the NHL team, the Hospital islaunching an initiative in local highschools and colleges to help athletesand coaches recognize the warningsigns and the importance of theearly diagnosis of HCM – the numberone cause of sudden cardiac deathin athletes. Spokespersons for theprogram include New York Islander’sleft wing Matt Moulson and otherswho have been impacted first-handby the disease.and the support of a highly skilledteam. Within just a few days, Ms.Sachs was up and about, walkingaround the Hospital unit reveling inthe joy of what it felt like to finallyachieve relief from her symptoms.“For the first time in three years,I could walk without experiencingshortness of breath and tightness inthe chest – this was unbelievableprogress for me!” she said recently.Now considered by the AHA as“Class 1” – with no limitations duringany activities – she enjoys going tothe gym and taking walks on thebeach with her husband, Alan Griman,whom she married on July 23, 2010.Today, she is grateful for the care shereceived at Winthrop which helpedmake it all possible.“If you have to go to the hospital,Winthrop is the place to go,” she said.“And Dr. Naidu is the kind of doctor thatyou will never forget … I waited threeyears to meet a doctor like him!” ■®Cornerstone 19