Next Generation TAVR Technology Now Available at Englewood Health

Posted on by John Williams

Englewood Hospital is One of First Hospitals in the Country to Use Evolut™ FX+ System

October 3, 2024 – Englewood Health has upgraded its capabilities for treating severe aortic valve stenosis with the addition of the Evolut™ FX+ Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) system, the newest generation of Medtronic’s TAVR platform. Interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons at Englewood Hospital recently performed their first procedure, making Englewood’s award-winning heart team among the first heart centers in the country to use this upgraded system since it became commercially available after being FDA approved earlier this year.

“This investment in upgraded technology enables our specialists to more effectively treat patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, providing greater options for patients with advanced disease,” says Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital.

This latest iteration of the Evolut TAVR system offers larger coronary access windows through a modified frame design, which is four times larger than the previous system. The system provides increased space for catheter maneuverability to facilitate access through the coronary arteries of varying patient anatomies.

“The enhanced accessibility of this technology allows us to treat even more patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, reduces symptoms, and improves outcomes,” says Ramin Hastings, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program at Englewood Hospital.

Severe aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve leaflets no longer open and close properly due to stiffness of the leaflets, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Over time, aortic valve stenosis can cause a variety of symptoms, reducing a patient’s quality of life, and can lead to heart failure.

The Evolut FX+ TAVR system can be used to treat symptomatic severe aortic stenosis patients across all risk categories.

Englewood Health Among Nation’s Best for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients for Third Straight Year

Posted on by John Williams

Englewood Health is one of only 259 hospitals nationwide to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology for high-level performance in quality of care.

September 12, 2024 – Englewood Health has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2024, one of only 259 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes Englewood Health’s commitment to and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.

Platinum status means Englewood Health has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

“To meet this aggressive goal for a third straight year highlights what we have long known—that Englewood Health is a proven leader in cardiac and vascular health,” said Aron Schwarcz, MD, chief of invasive cardiology at Englewood Hospital. “This award is only possible through the expertise and close collaborations of our medical staff and hospital teams, who work together tirelessly to provide the best cardiac and vascular care possible.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling, and cardiac rehabilitation, among other important treatments and support services.

Full participation in the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines. It also signifies adherence to a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety, and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

Talking About Suicide: The First Step to Helping People Who Are Struggling

Posted on by John Williams
Anita Ramsetty, MD

Health Equity Monthly Focus
By Anita Ramsetty, MD, Director of Health Equity

September 2024

Did you know that suicide remains among the most common causes of death in this country?

Here are some sobering statistics:

  • Men ages 75 and older have the highest rate of any age group.
  • When adjusted for age among the entire population, rates of suicide are highest among those who identify as non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native.
  • Even though overall suicide among youths is lower by age, it is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-24 years. And further worrisome is that it has increased by over 50% between 2000 and 2021. In 2021 almost 1 in 10 high-schoolers reported a suicide attempt in the past 12 months.
  • Among our youth who identify as sexual minorities (lesbian, gay or bisexual), rates are even higher at 25%.
  • Among our veterans, suicide is the second leading cause of death for those under the age of 45 years.

While we have gained insights and made steps forward in talking openly about mental health concerns including depression and suicide, we have a long way to go still. For many of us growing up, suicide was not openly spoken about. Whether for cultural or religious reasons, the stigma associated with it, or just discomfort speaking about something so personal, suicide may be a taboo subject for many. In the years since my childhood some of this has changed but still, many communities (families and larger groups of people) are challenged talking about suicide.

One question I sometimes hear discussed a lot is “Should you even talk about it? Out in the open?”

My answer is “yes”! Recent research, including information from people who are struggling with depression and thinking about suicide, shows that it is incredibly important to talk about it. Talking about suicide does not suddenly make people want to take their own lives. In fact, talking about it may open the door for someone struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts to open up and seek help.

So that’s the first step: encouraging open conversation. And then sharing information about suicide hotlines available at all times.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and thoughts of self-harm including suicide, please seek help immediately. Do not wait!

In the U.S., call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor. Call 988 and press “1” to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

The NJ Mental Health Cares hotline is also a good resource. The number is 866-202-HELP (4357).

Englewood Health Expands Cardiovascular Expertise with Addition of Renowned Specialists

Posted on by John Williams

September 2, 2024 – Englewood Health has strengthened its nationally recognized cardiovascular team with the addition of five esteemed specialists, further enhancing its comprehensive heart care offerings.

“With a legacy of excellence in cardiothoracic surgery and interventional cardiology, combined with our status as one of the nation’s premier cardiac centers, we continue to attract leading experts in the field to meet the diverse needs of our community,” said Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital.

Recently, Englewood Health’s heart and vascular teams earned several prestigious accolades, underscoring their dedication to quality and patient safety. These include being named among Newsweek’s America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals, U.S. News & World Report’s “High Performing” rating for Heart Failure, and receiving the Society for Thoracic Surgeons’ top overall quality score, with a 3-star rating for isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery for the second consecutive time.

“We’ve expanded our team with physicians and surgeons who are leaders in cutting-edge techniques and technologies, and who have contributed significantly to the latest advancements in cardiovascular care,” said Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Hospital. “Our success has evolved to the point where we now offer everything currently available to treat heart and vascular disease. We have it all.”

In addition, the newly launched advanced heart failure program, led by Dr. Afsana Rahman, director of advanced heart failure at Englewood Hospital, in partnership with ColumbiaDoctors, offers patients access to the most innovative treatments and facilitates seamless transitions of care for complex procedures, such as ventricular assist devices and heart transplants.

The new cardiovascular specialists joining Englewood Health include:

Alok Dash, MD

Alok Dash, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aortic Disease Surgery | Full profile

Dr. Dash specializes in cardiothoracic surgery and subspecializes in aortic disease surgery. His clinical interests include aortic disease, including aneurysms and dissections; arrhythmias; cardiac tumors; endocarditis; valve disease; and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Dr. Dash received his MD from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. He did a cardiovascular surgery clinical research fellowship at VCU School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency and a thoracic surgery residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He did an adult cardiac surgery fellowship and an aortic surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Dash is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Afsana Rahman, MD

Afsana Rahman, MD

Heart Failure | Full profile

Dr. Rahman is director of advanced heart failure at Englewood Hospital. She specializes in advanced heart failure and her clinical interests include advanced heart failure, cardiac amyloidosis, cardiac sarcoidosis, cardio-obstetrics, cardio-oncology, CPET, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular assist device management (LVAD), and heart transplant. Dr. Rahman received her MD from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She did an internal medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center (Moses Campus and Weiler Hospital), and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health. She did an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Rahman is a member of the American College of Cardiology, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, Heart Failure Society of America, and American Society of Transplantation. She is also an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and is the recipient of a 2024–2025 research grant from the Heart Failure Research Institute at New-York Presbyterian.

Nikita Dabas, MD, MPH, MS

Nikita Dabas, MD, MPH, MS

Cardiac Electrophysiology | Full profile

Dr. Dabas specializes in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Her main clinical interests are arrhythmia management and treatment, including ablations for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia; and device implantation and management, including permanent pacemakers, leadless pacemakers, defibrillators, and left atrial appendage occlusion devices. Dr. Dabas received her MD and MPH from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She did an internal medicine residency, followed by a cardiovascular disease fellowship, and was chief cardiology fellow, at Jackson Health System–Jackson Memorial Hospital, and a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society.

Jahan Ebn Manjur, MD

Jahan Ebn Manjur, MD

Interventional Cardiology | Full profile

Dr. Manjur specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology. His clinical interests include coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, and valvular disease. Dr. Manjur received his MD from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He did an internal medicine residency at Stony Brook Medicine University Hospital (Renaissance School of Medicine). He did a cardiovascular disease fellowship, followed by an interventional cardiology fellowship, at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Manjur is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Bangladesh Medical Association of North America.

Huazhen Chen, MD

Huazhen Chen, MD

Interventional Cardiology | Full profile

Dr. Chen specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology. His clinical interests include coronary artery disease, endocarditis, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, stroke, and valvular disease. Dr. Chen received his MD from University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He did an internal medicine residency and cardiovascular disease fellowship at the Mount Sinai Hospital (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) and an interventional cardiology fellowship at Mount Sinai Morningside. Dr. Chen is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians.

Englewood Hospital Among First in U.S. to Implant Innovative Heart Valve Repair Device  

Posted on by Melissa Sainte-Rose

August 27, 2024 – The structural heart team at Englewood Hospital successfully performed its first procedure using the Abbott TriClip™ transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system, a first-of-its-kind device, to repair a leaky tricuspid valve, a condition known as tricuspid regurgitation (TR). 

“We are excited to be one of the very first hospitals in New Jersey, and the country, to implant TriClip, and offer this revolutionary treatment for patients with tricuspid valve disease,” said Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital. “TriClip is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option to restore normal blood flow patterns on the right side of the heart for patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation, and ultimately improve symptoms, quality of life, and outcomes.” 

Until now, the only treatment option for patients with tricuspid regurgitation not successfully managed with medications was open-heart surgery. However, most patients with tricuspid valve disease are not candidates for surgery due to co-morbidities and the complexity of the procedure making them high-risk for surgery. With the use of the TriClip, more patients are able to access effective treatment that was previously unavailable to them, offering hope for improved quality of life and better long-term outcomes.

“Using catheter-based techniques, we can maneuver to the right side of the heart and clip the tricuspid valve leaflets together, reducing leakage,” said Ramin Hastings, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program at Englewood Hospital.

Dr. Hastings performed the first procedure using the TEER system at Englewood Hospital. He added, “This minimally invasive approach is ideal for high-risk patients, minimizing recovery time, reducing complications, and improving overall outcomes, allowing patients to experience quicker and safer relief from symptoms.” 

Inspire® Therapy Now Available at Englewood Health 

Posted on by Melissa Sainte-Rose

Life-changing device for patients with obstructive sleep apnea allows for better sleep and improved health. 

August 23, 2024 – Englewood Health is now offering Inspire® therapy, a breakthrough obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment option that can provide patients with better quality sleep and improved health. 

Inspire® therapy is a minimally invasive, implantable treatment device that offers a safe alternative for those who cannot use or tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. 

“Many patients struggle with sleep apnea because they cannot tolerate the standard treatment, CPAP, with its mask and hose,” said Srikant Kondapaneni, MD, co-medical director of Englewood Hospital’s Center for Sleep Medicine. “Now we can offer our patients another effective option that will improve their sleep and ultimately their health. And for sleeping partners, 90% report that snoring goes away or becomes softer, helping everyone improve their sleep.”  

OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to collapse and blocking the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to take a breath. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep. OSA is associated with long-term health problems. 

For most patients, OSA is successfully treated with a CPAP machine. But for patients with moderate to severe OSA, who cannot wear a CPAP mask, Inspire® can be a life-changing alternative. 

Inspire® therapy is the only FDA-approved OSA therapy that works inside the patient’s body. The device, implanted during a quick outpatient procedure, emits mild stimulation to open the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. A small handheld remote is used to turn Inspire on before bed and off upon waking. 

“The test and the treatment for OSA are much more convenient than in the past,” adds Kirk Levy, MD, co-medical director of Englewood Hospital’s Center for Sleep Medicine. “Because sleep apnea can lead to other serious health problems, particularly affecting the heart and brain, it is important to get diagnosed and treated at the first signs of concern. We are excited to offer this clinically proven therapy to sleep apnea patients who struggle with CPAP.” 

Adding Inspire® therapy to its expertise and technological advancements in sleep medicine, Englewood Health remains a prime destination for sleep health and now for this safe and effective treatment. 

Inspire device

If you have sleep apnea, use a PAP device, and are interested in the Inspire device, the first step is to make an appointment with a doctor who offers Inspire evaluations.

Englewood Hospital Celebrates a Century of Excellence with American Hospital Association

Posted on by John Williams
Englewood Health president and CEO Warren Geller and AHA regional executive Michael Draine flanked by the health system's team members.
Englewood Health president and CEO Warren Geller and AHA regional executive Michael Draine flanked by the health system’s team members.

August 19, 2024 – The American Hospital Association (AHA) has honored Englewood Hospital for its remarkable 100 years of membership and leadership.

On August 13th, AHA regional executive Michael Draine visited Englewood Hospital to present the prestigious award to Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health, and health system team members.

“Reaching this milestone with the AHA underscores our unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Geller. “Over the past 100 years, Englewood Hospital has grown from a community hospital into a comprehensive health system serving patients all across northern New Jersey. We are honored to continue this journey of providing exceptional care.”

Englewood Hospital’s clinical excellence spans cardiac surgery and cardiac care, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, primary care, spine surgery, vascular surgery, and women’s health, as well as bloodless medicine and surgery. Additionally, the hospital’s imaging centers across the region enhance access to vital diagnostic, breast, and cardiac imaging services.

Founded in 1890, Englewood Hospital has been distinguished for its high-quality care, nursing excellence, and status as a top teaching hospital over the past decade.

“The American Hospital Association is proud to recognize Englewood Hospital for 100 years of membership in the AHA and for their dedication to northern New Jersey,” added Draine. “We thank their leaders, medical staff, caregivers and other colleagues for providing a full range of medical care that is tailored to meet each patient’s needs.”

This is the second recent honor that the AHA has bestowed on Englewood Hospital. Earlier this summer Englewood Health was named a finalist for the AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize for excellence in community service. This prestigious national honor recognizes Englewood Health’s leadership in driving improvements in community health.

Englewood Hospital Receives Top Honors from American Heart Association for Stroke Care and Cardiac Resuscitation

Posted on by John Williams

August 9, 2024 — Englewood Hospital has received two top recognitions from the American Heart Association (AHA): the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award, its highest-level recognition for stroke care, and the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® –Resuscitation Gold Award, its highest-level recognition for in-hospital cardiac resuscitation.

  • Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award underscores Englewood Hospital’s dedication to providing exemplary stroke care and advancing excellence in the neurosciences
  • Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold Award recognizes Englewood Hospital’s outstanding quality in treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve survival rates

In addition to the Stroke Gold Plus Award, the hospital achieved the AHA’s Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.

Englewood Hospital also achieved the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, for ensuring patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to a stroke.

“These prestigious recognitions from the American Heart Association reflect our commitment to high quality stroke care and early neurological interventions, as well as to providing effective and timely emergency response for patients experiencing cardiac arrest in the hospital,” said Erik Chu, MD, chief of emergency medicine at Englewood Hospital. “Our team’s adherence to national clinical guidelines and swift, coordinated responses for stroke emergencies or cardiac arrest are pivotal in improving patient outcomes and saving lives.”

“We are proud to be recognized for our rigorous standards in both stroke care and in-hospital cardiac resuscitation,” said Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health. “Excelling by these national standards demonstrates our dedication to continuous improvement and delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care. Our unified goal is to give our patients the best chance at experiencing longer, healthier lives.”

Englewood Health Emergency Medical Services Receives Highest Achievement Award from American Heart Association

Posted on by John Williams

Recognition highlights Englewood Health as a leader in lowering door-to-balloon time, ensuring faster treatment for heart attack patients and better outcomes.

August 1, 2024 — Englewood Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold with Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll achievement award, the highest possible award, for its commitment to delivering rapid and research-based life-saving care.

This is the ninth time that Englewood Health EMS has received the Mission: Lifeline EMS award, with the last eight years awarded at the gold level. Englewood Health’s average door-to-balloon time—the time from a patient’s arrival at the hospital to the moment they receive balloon angioplasty to open blocked arteries during a heart attack—with EMS transportation is 55.96 minutes. This is significantly better than the national benchmark of 90 minutes, showcasing Englewood Health’s exceptional efficiency in emergency cardiovascular care and ensuring faster treatment for heart attack patients and better outcomes.

“This nationally coveted award recognizes the dedication of our EMS team to ensuring swift and effective treatment from the moment of first medical contact through patient transport and transfer to definitive care at the hospital emergency department,” said Richard Sposa, MA, NRP, MICP, director of EMS/emergency preparedness at Englewood Health.

Achieving the esteemed Lifeline EMS Gold award means that Englewood Health’s EMS team consistently adhered to the AHA’s rigorous guidelines and demonstrated excellence in the rapid identification and treatment of high-risk, time-sensitive conditions, such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI heart attacks) and strokes.

“Englewood Health exemplifies excellence in rapid response, coordination, and communication during critical interventions. The collaboration between our EMS and hospital teams enables this high level of care. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to each team member for their exceptional dedication to our community,” said Barbara Schreibman, MD, FACEP, EMS medical director and associate chief of emergency medicine at Englewood Hospital.

Englewood Hospital Distinguished as One of the Best Cardiac Hospitals in America

Posted on by John Williams

July 25, 2024 — Englewood Hospital is among America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals according to Newsweek’s inaugural list, America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024. This prestigious accolade was presented to Englewood Hospital by Newsweek and consumer data company, Statista Inc., following a rigorous evaluation process.

“We are proud to be among this elite group of heart hospitals across the U.S. that are recognized for their superior cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and vascular/cardiothoracic surgery programs,” said Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital. “Patients can rely on Englewood Hospital for safe, high-quality, innovative cardiac care and this is a special recognition of our team’s ranking among the best in the country.”

Only 175 of the leading hospitals in the field of cardiac care in the U.S. were included in the America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024 rankings.

“Being nationally recognized on Newsweek’s first list of America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals is an exceptional honor,” said Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Hospital. “As a leader in tertiary-level heart care, for all types of cardiac conditions, Englewood Hospital is using the latest technology and evidence-based practices, combined with surgical and interventional expertise to save lives and improve health.”

“Our outstanding team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac electrophysiologists, and interventional cardiologists are top experts in treating the most complex cases and are pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients,” said Dennis Katechis, DO, chief of non-invasive cardiology at Englewood Hospital.

To compile the top cardiac hospitals list, Newsweek relied on the following sources:

  • A nationwide online survey: Health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about cardiology, e.g., cardiologists, cardiac/thoracic surgeons, and cardiac nurses, were asked to recommend leading cardiology hospitals in the U.S. The survey was also promoted on newsweek.com.
  • Hospital quality metrics: Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to cardiology care were considered.
  • Patient outcome data and results from patient experience surveys.

For more information about the rankings and methodology of Newsweek’s America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals list, visit newsweek.com/rankings.