Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center first in U.S. to use FDA-approved novel wireless system to treat cardiac arrhythmias
AUSTIN, Texas—Electrophysiologists at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center recently became the first in the nation to implant an FDA-approved novel leadless system that provides cardiac resynchronization therapy to patients with heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves the timing of the heart’s contractions, helping to restore the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. The first procedure was recently performed by Robert Canby, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist at TCAI.
“This technology marks a significant advancement in how we care for patients with heart rhythm disorders—particularly those who previously had few viable cardiac resynchronization therapy treatment options,” said Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., cardiac electrophysiologist and executive medical director of TCAI. “At the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, our commitment is to bring the most advanced, evidence-based therapies to patients worldwide, and as a result of Dr. Canby’s leadership, we successfully delivered on that promise.”
The system is the first-ever to stimulate the heart muscle electrically via a small, leadless device—about the size of a grain of rice—that is implanted inside tissue of the left ventricle, the heart’s primary pumping chamber. The device converts ultrasound energy into electrical pulses, restoring the heart’s normal rhythm and pumping efficiency.
Traditional cardiac resynchronization therapies involve leads—thin and soft insulated wires about the size of a spaghetti noodle. This left ventricular endocardial pacing device provides a direct approach, which enables more flexible placement and expands access to those who were previously considered untreatable.
TCAI is a state-of-the-art Electrophysiology Center that includes six labs equipped with advanced technology where a group of esteemed cardiac electrophysiologists—led by Dr. Natale, a world-renowned expert in the field—perform a high volume of the most complex electrophysiology procedures.
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) and Ventricular Tachycardias (VT). The center is led by Executive Medical Director Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., a world-renowned expert in the field. Dr. Natale is at the forefront of advancing treatment options for A Fib and VT, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures.
St. David’s Medical Center
St. David’s Medical Center, part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations—St. David’s Medical Center, Heart Hospital of Austin and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.
Located in Central Austin, St. David’s Medical Center includes a 371-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. The hospital provides a full spectrum of women’s services, including its acclaimed Level IV maternity unit, maternal-fetal medicine, a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team, the region’s largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It also offers outpatient breast imaging services operated through on-site provider Solis Mammography and features a 24-hour emergency department and comprehensive stroke center. Additionally, the hospital specializes in treating high acuity surgical patients, including complex spine, total joint, advanced surgical oncology, bariatric and general surgery, and it is home to the prestigious Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. St. David’s Medical Center is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Magnet®hospital, the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing practice and quality patient care.
Details
July 22, 2025
Name: Matt Grilli
Phone: 630-800-9533
Email: mgrilli@ecprtexas.com