Breakthrough Procedure at Bay Medical

This is the first catheter ablation procedure ever performed at Bay Medical Center. In fact, it's the first in all of northwest Florida and southern Alabama.

The breakthrough procedure is for people suffering with the heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. There are other treatment options, but Bay Medical doctors say this is safer and more effective. It's now available in this area, but so far only two patients have taken part.

"It takes about at least four hours, so we need to have about four hours of our time in order to perform the procedure. So it limits how many procedures we can offer, so selection is going to be very limited," said Bay Medical Dr. Hari Baddigam.

The new technology has been out for a few years, but only debuted at Bay Medical in September.

"You need to have an operator and also the equipment itself is expensive," said Baddigam.

In the past, x-ray machines gave doctors a two-dimensional look into the heart. Now when they insert the catheter it transmits electrical data about the patient's heart to a computer making a three-dimensional map of the heart. The easy-to-read maps help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

And though it's starting off small, doctors say the procedure will become more popular with time.

"Once the understanding is there and understand we have this capability then we'll find more patients that need the procedure," said Bay Medical Dr. Judson Colley.

Other options to treating atrial fibrillation include lifelong drugs and pacemakers. Catheter ablation is the least invasive of the options.

Local Summer Drama Camps Gaining Popularity

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Community Headlines

Bay County Veterans Day Parade in Panama City

Posted: 11/12/2012 - Continuing the recognition of local men and women in uniform, Bay County's annual Veterans Day parade takes place in downtown Panama City Monday.

Local Summer Drama Camps Gaining Popularity

Updated: 07/13/2012 - Panama City - Sports camps are a favorite summer activity for thousands of kids across Northwest Florida, now drama camps are gaining popularity locally. Two dozen elementary and middle school students are busy putting the finishing touches on their presentation of "The Little Mermaid Jr."

Niceville Teen Carries Olympic Torch

Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - It's certainly the opportunity of a lifetime! Sixteen-year-old Bailey Reese, of Niceville, carried the Olympic torch through Bisham Abbey in England Tuesday morning.

"Klothes for Kids" Begins On-Site Registration

Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - School doesn't start for another several weeks, but a Panama City Rescue Mission program that helps students in need get ready for the new year is already busy getting families signed up. New this year, "Klothes for Kids" is doing on-site registration at places like Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club. That makes it even easier for families to get the help they need.

Free Online Training Module Helps Families Dealing with Alzheimer's

Updated: 07/05/2012 - Panama City - Alzheimers. By age 85, 30% to 50% of adults show signs of the disease. For family caregivers, dealing with Alzheimer's effects on their loved one can be heartbreaking and stressful. That's why a local in-home senior care provider is spreading the word about a new, and free resource for families. The online training module is called "CARE: Changing Aging Through Research and Education." It helps families better understand the disease and how to cope with it, as well as offer tips on how to care for the 60% to 70% of Alzheimer's patients still living at home.

More Community Headlines