Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint facility and Duke Health affiliate in heart care, has completed 400 procedures using a minimally invasive implant—a key advancement in stroke prevention for individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The device used during the procedure is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved alternative to long-term blood thinners. It seals off the left atrial appendage—a small area of the heart where blood clots tend to form in AFib patients. By closing it off, the risk of stroke is reduced, and many patients may be able to discontinue oral anticoagulation over time.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering advanced cardiovascular care close to home,” said Philip Greene, MD, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Each procedure offers peace of mind to patients seeking alternatives to blood thinners.”

Frye Regional was the first hospital in the Catawba Valley region to offer this procedure, launching its program in August 2022 through a collaboration with the Duke Heart Network. The hospital’s multidisciplinary heart team includes electrophysiologists, cardiologists, imaging specialists and specialty trained nurses and staff, all working together to ensure optimal patient outcomes to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. The 400th procedure was implanted by Ankur Tiwari, MD, a board-certified internist, cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist.

“Many of our patients come to us seeking an alternative to blood thinners that have impacted their daily lives,” said Dr. Tiwari. “The implant offers a safe, effective, long-term solution, and reaching 400 procedures is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication.”

Frye Regional Heart Center, as an affiliate of Duke Health, benefits from access to the latest clinical training, staff education and is evidence-based guidelines for heart care.

To learn more about the heart program at Frye Regional, visit FryeMedCtr.com/heart-care.