Novant Health offers new treatment option for extreme cardiac patients
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As part of our series on healthcare innovations in the region, we’re exploring Novant Health’s Heart and Vascular program, which introduces a new treatment option for heart failure. The discussion took place in anticipation of the WWAY Health Fair scheduled for January 25th.
Nurse Practitioner Darryl Hampton from Novant Health recently stopped by the WWAY studios to talk with Good Morning Carolina co-host Matt Bennett and shed light on this groundbreaking treatment.
Heart failure, as explained by Hampton, is a condition where the heart fails to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s oxygen demand. This prevalent issue within the community necessitates innovative solutions, and Novant Health’s Heart and Vascular Program aims to address it through a new treatment option.
The spotlight of this new treatment is on the Left Ventricular Assist Device (L-VAD), a mechanically assisted device implanted in patients with weakened hearts.
“It essentially puts blood flow back to a normal blood flow, so that patients can actually have a better quality of life,” Hampton said. “They don’t have the same symptoms anymore, so they’re not short of breath anymore. They’re able to do the things that they weren’t able to do prior to surgery. ”
Choosing a treatment option depends on various factors, and Hampton explained that medications and lifestyle modifications are typically attempted first. Advanced therapies, including the L-VAD, are considered when initial treatments prove ineffective. Hampton emphasized the importance of offering choices, particularly when open-heart surgery is involved.
“Patients can choose whether to have that surgery or not. If they don’t, then we do have other options to really help improve their quality of life,” Hampton said. “But ultimately, the L-VAD is something that can prolong their life and also improve their quality of life.
Post-surgery, Novant Health provides an intensive cardiac rehab program. This program involves a pre-hab phase to build up stamina before surgery and a post-op phase, usually initiated six to 12 weeks after surgery. Patients work with cardiac rehab staff on monitored exercise programs tailored to their needs, contributing to their physical and emotional recovery.
What makes this treatment noteworthy is its local accessibility. In the past, patients had to travel long distances for institutions offering such advanced devices. Now, with Novant Health’s program, patients can access these services in their local hospital.
The introduction of this treatment option and the comprehensive cardiac rehab program locally is a significant step toward enhancing the community’s cardiac care. The WWAY Health Fair on January 25th at Independence Mall provides an opportunity for individuals to learn more about such innovations and take steps towards a healthier future. You can find out more here.
