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DR. MAJDI ASHCHI PERFORMS THE FIRST PROCEDURE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN U.S. USING A NEW STROKE REDUCING CAROTID PROTECTION DEVICE

DR. MAJDI ASHCHI PERFORMS THE FIRST PROCEDURE USING MO.MA

January 20, 2010 – Memorial Hospital’s Dr. Majdi Ashchi has become the first physician in the Southeastern United States to treat patient’s using the Invatec Mo.Ma Ultra Proximal Cerebral Protection Device. This device is used during carotid artery stenting (CAS). The device effectively reduces and captures debris released during stenting procedures to prevent it from traveling to the brain, where it has the potential to cause a stroke.

“Jacksonville is fortunate that we are one of the first in the country that utilizes this recently FDA approved device,’ says Dr. Ashchi. “The Proximal Embolic Protection device provides us more options when stenting a patient, that in the past, could possibly result in a stroke.” Majdi Ashchi, DO, FACC,FSCAI,FABVM from First Coast Cardiovascular Institute, PA who has performed hundreds of carotid stenting states that this device adds to our ability to further reduce strokes during these procedures and specifically in the older (octogenarians) and symptomatic patients.

Carotid stenting, a procedure that inserts wire mesh tubes to prop open the arteries and improve blood flow, is a common treatment for carotid artery disease, a condition caused by buildup of fatty substances and plaque. When the carotid arteries are obstructed, patients are at an increased risk for Transient Ischemia Attack (TIA) and stroke, the third leading cause of death in the U.S. This new device establishes full-time cerebral protection and control during the carotid stenting procedure prior to crossing the internal carotid artery (ICA) lesion, thereby preventing distal embolization.

Small balloons on the tip and proximal shaft are inflated in the external carotid artery and the common carotid artery to suspend blood flow during the stenting process. These balloons act like endovascular surgical clamps, protecting the brain during the procedure. However the easy–to–use percutaneous Mo.Ma Ultra requires no surgery. Guide wires, stents and balloon catheters are used in this protected environment to treat the target lesion. The suspended blood is then aspirated along with any embolic debris to complete the procedure safely.

ABOUT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO,) Memorial Hospital, is known as a leader in quality, compassionate healthcare with a reputation maintained through excellent staff, along with programs of technological advances, growth and expansion to meet the ongoing needs of the community. Memorial Hospital serves the entire First Coast area. For further information about services, facilities and physicians, please go to: www.memorialhospitaljax.com