Frye Regional Medical Center Surpasses 500 Stroke-Reducing Heart Procedures for AFib Patients

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital and Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, has reached a significant milestone by completing more than 500 minimally invasive implant procedures designed to help reduce stroke risk for individuals living with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The procedure uses an FDA-approved device for carefully selected patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who meet specific clinical criteria. Candidates are evaluated by a multidisciplinary heart team and typically include individuals at increased risk of stroke who are unable to tolerate long-term oral anticoagulation due to bleeding risk or other medical considerations. By sealing the left atrial appendage—a small pocket in the heart where blood clots commonly form in AFib patients—the implant significantly lowers the risk of stroke. It also allows many patients to safely discontinue oral anticoagulation over time.

“Our focus has always been on expanding access to high-quality cardiovascular care,” said Lindy White, MBA, FABC, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Reaching 500 procedures not only reflects the strength of our heart program but also reinforces Frye Regional’s role as a regional leader in heart care. It’s further proof that our community can count on us for advanced, patient-centered care close to home.”

Frye Regional introduced this innovative stroke-prevention option to the Catawba Valley area in 2022, becoming the first hospital in the region to offer the implant. The program is led by a collaborative heart team that includes electrophysiologists, cardiologists, imaging specialists and highly trained nurses and staff, all dedicated to delivering coordinated, patient-focused care. The 500th procedure was performed by Ankur Tiwari, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist.

“For patients who meet FDA criteria and are not good candidates for long-term blood thinners, this procedure can be life changing,” said Dr. Tiwari. “Seeing patients benefit from this implant speaks volumes about its impact on stroke prevention and is incredibly meaningful for our team.”

The Frye Regional Heart Center offers a range of advanced cardiac services, including mitral and tricuspid valve repair, surgical aortic valve replacement and other structural heart interventions. As a Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, the center benefits from the most current training and staff education when it comes to heart care.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Frye Regional heart specialist, visit FryeMedCtr.com/heart-care or call 828.261.0009.

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