Leading Expert on Atrial Fibrillation, Andrea Natale, M.D., Celebrates Five Years at Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center

AUSTIN, Texas, May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In May 2013, Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., cardiac electrophysiologist and executive medical director of the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David's Medical Center, celebrates five years of leadership at TCAI—an international treatment, training and research center specializing in heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Natale, a world-renowned expert in the field of electrophysiology, has led approximately 75 clinical trials during his time at TCAI. These trials are designed to improve treatment options for patients with complex cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (A Fib). TCAI treats more patients with heart rhythm disorders than any other facility in the region, and it attracts patients from all over the world.

"Our primary goal is to provide exceptional care to our patients with cardiac arrhythmias while pioneering new treatments and technology through research," Dr. Natale said. "TCAI remains committed to advancing the field of electrophysiology."

In addition to conducting extensive research in this field, the medical staff at TCAI has led training events for more than 200 physicians and medical experts worldwide under Dr. Natale's leadership.

Prior to joining TCAI, Dr. Natale was a member of the Cardiovascular Medicine Department at the Cleveland Clinic from 1999 to October 2007, serving most recently as section head for the Department of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology and as medical director for the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Atrial Fibrillation. He has written or co-written hundreds of published studies on pacing and electrophysiology.

Cardiac arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders are problems that affect the electrical system, or "wiring," of the heart muscle. Heart arrhythmias are very common—experts say that millions of people will experience an abnormal heart rhythm some time during their lives.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute
Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David's Medical Center is one of the world's preeminent centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting abnormal heart rhythms such as Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib). The center is led by Executive Medical Director Andrea Natale, M.D., a world-renowned expert in the field. Natale is at the forefront of advancing treatment for A Fib, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures. For more information, please visit TCAInstitute.com.

St. David's Medical Center
St. David's Medical Center is part of St. David's HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas, which was recognized in January 2012 as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Founded in 1924, St. David's Medical Center is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations—St. David's Medical Center, located at 919 East 32nd Street in Austin; Heart Hospital of Austin, located at 3801 North Lamar Blvd.; and St. David's Georgetown Hospital, located in Georgetown at 2000 Scenic Drive. The three campuses offer a full range of medical specialties, as well as many other innovative healthcare services.

St. David's Medical Center in central Austin includes a 350-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. St. David's Medical Center is also home to NeuroTexas Institute and the internationally renowned Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. The hospital provides a complete range of women's services, including its acclaimed maternity unit, maternal-fetal medicine, a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team, the region's largest and most sophisticated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and The Breast Center; a fertility center; complex surgical services; a comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center; and a 24-hour emergency department.

St. David's Medical Center was named among the nation's 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) for four consecutive years, from 2010 to 2013. In October 2012, Truven Health Analytics also named St. David's Medical Center to the list of 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals. The hospital earned a national distinction for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits, in June 2012. For more information, please visit StDavids.com.

Media Contacts:
Erin Ochoa or Kristin Marcum
Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations
(512) 472-9599

SOURCE Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center