Independence Health System Achieves Major Milestones with New Cardiac Procedures in its State-of-the-Art Catheterization Lab

Butler, Pa., March 10, 2025 – Independence Health System is advancing the boundaries of medicine through significant milestones in cardiology, further reinforcing its commitment to providing enhanced access to treatments options while keeping patients close to home.

In January, the interventional cardiology team, led by Brian Carey, MD, and Varun Avula, DO, performed its first acute pulmonary embolism procedure using Inari Medical’s FlowTriever® system. This catheter-based procedure safely removes clots from the pulmonary arteries to treat intermediate- to high-risk pulmonary embolism patients. The FlowTriever® is the first mechanical thrombectomy system designed to extract venous clots, improving symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism without the need for thrombolytic drugs and consequent ICU stays. 

Additionally, the team successfully placed a right-sided Impella device to provide temporary circulatory support to patients with heart failure. The right-sided placement, which is less common than left sided placement, offers a critical solution for patients experiencing right ventricle failure. This procedure further highlights Independence Health System’s comprehensive approach to managing severe cardiac conditions.

In February, Butler Memorial Hospital acquired the VitalFlow™ ECMO system, a self-priming machine used by the Cardiogenic Shock Team during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) procedures. The device utilizes a pump and oxygenator outside of the body to take over the work of a patient’s heart and lungs. It works by continuously circulating oxygenated blood throughout the body. As blood is pumped out of the body, the machine adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide before pumping it back into the body. This allows the heart and lungs a chance to rest and heal during extreme medical emergencies affecting the heart and lungs.

The electrophysiology (EP) team also achieved significant milestones, implanting Abbott’s first dual leadless pacemaker, Aveir™ DR to manage heart rhythm disorders. Smaller and leadless, the devices are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure, eliminating the need for cardiac leads. This advanced technology further reduces associated complications and offers a less restrictive and shorter recovery period post-implantation. 

Additionally, the EP team performed its first Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) procedures, a next-generation treatment for atrial fibrillation. PFA is a catheter-based procedure that works by delivering short, high-voltage electrical pulses to target and ablate tissue responsible for causing arrhythmia, potentially offering a safer and more effective alternative to traditional ablation techniques.

“These milestones reflect our continued commitment to providing high-quality, innovative heart care close to home,” said Jennifer Thomas, MSN, RN, Director of Heart Center at Butler Memorial Hospital. “Our team remains committed to offering the most advanced heart care available. These achievements showcase the collaboration and expertise of our multidisciplinary approach to heart care.”

For more information about Independence Health System’s award-winning cardiology service, visit www.independence.health.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health