More than two million Americans are affected by a heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation, or A Fib. If left untreated, A Fib can lead to congestive heart failure or stroke. September is National A Fib Awareness month. 

For many patients, undergoing a procedure called cardiac ablation to treat A Fib means they can stop taking blood-thinning medications.  

The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin (TCAI) is the world leader in correcting A Fib. It is led by Dr. Andrea Natale, F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S, an expert on abnormal heart rhythms who has lead numerous clinical trials and participated in the development of new technologies and procedures.  

TCAI features exceptional technology and a team of physicians and nurses to provide personalized treatment.  

Unique to TCAI is the “Nurse Navigator” program, where patients have a nurse trained in the treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders to guide them through the treatment process and to follow-up with them for up to one year after an ablation procedure. 

Fabricio Oberto, a Washington Wizards basketball player and former member of the San Antonio Spurs, is a TCAI patient. After undergoing an ablation procedure in 2009, Oberto no longer needs to wear a monitor to track his heart rhythm.  

“I am thankful for Dr. Natale and his team for giving me the chance to continue doing what I love: playing basketball,” Oberto said. “For me, the decision to have this procedure was an easy one, especially since I have a physician I can trust. Ongoing support by the staff at TCAI has also made my recovery simple.”

About St. David’s South Austin Medical Center:

St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, located at 901 West Ben White Blvd., is owned by St. David’s HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas. St. David’s South Austin Medical Center is an acute care facility with 252 beds that offers a range of complex specialties and sub-specialties, including a comprehensive and nationally recognized cardiac program; full-service maternity and newborn care with Level I and II nurseries; and a thriving 24-hour emergency department, among others. In 2010, the medical center is launching a comprehensive $72-million renovation and expansion effort, to be completed in 2012. For more information, please visit www.StDavids.com.