Cardiovascular Institute of the South is First to Use New ASD Closure Device at Baton Rouge General

BATON ROUGE— Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) interventional cardiologist Dr. Niksad Abraham was the first to use the AMPLATZER^TM Septal Occluder device for the closure of atrial septal defects at Baton Rouge General.

The AMPLATZER device is used in a non-invasive procedure to close a common congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect, which refers to a hole in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. This hole increases the amount of blood that flows through the lungs which, over time, can damage the blood vessels in the lungs. In some cases, these holes may close on their own or may be small, without a need for treatment. However, this depends on the patient’s symptoms, and a procedure may be necessary to correct the condition.

The Amplatzer^TM Septal Occluder has a wide connecting waist that centers the device to fill the hole in the heart. This occluder—offering the widest range of ASD sizes—can treat defects from 3 mm to 38 mm. The device also features specially-designed discs to be placed on each side of the defect, a thin polyester material that promotes occlusion and tissue growth, and the ability to be recaptured and redeployed for precise placement.

This device offers many benefits to patients, including a quicker recovery time. “By using this minimally-invasive technique to close a hole in a patient’s heart, a patient can go home the same day of their procedure,” said Dr. Abraham. CIS’s mission is to provide the highest-quality cardiovascular care available, bringing patients the latest devices and techniques for the best outcomes possible.  

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a CIS cardiologist near you, please visit www.cardio.com. 

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South

Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease and interventional cardiovascular procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 850 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 20 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with nine telemedicine programs. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 37 years of excellence. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com. 

About Baton Rouge General

Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General serves as an affiliate of Tulane University School of Medicine, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.