Elliot Heart and Vascular Expands Electrophysiology Program and Achieves First in New Hampshire for Comprehensive Heart Rhythm Care

Elliot Health System’s Heart and Vascular care team has expanded its Electrophysiology (EP) program, introducing both catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other heart rhythm disorders and the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) implant program for patients. On Tuesday, May 5, the system completed its first Atrial Flutter ablation using the FARAPOINT™ Pulse Field Ablation catheter, marking the first time since FDA approval the catheter has been commercially utilized in New Hampshire. The advanced technology aims to deliver greater precision and safety tailored to an individual’s unique heart anatomy to improve heart rhythm management outcomes. In the same week, the system also performed its first two catheter ablations to treat AFib.

The inaugural procedures at Elliot’s flagship Elliot Hospital in Manchester, were performed by a new member of our Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants team, Kevin C. Floyd, MS, MD, FACC, FHRS, a board-certified electrophysiologist with more than 20 years of experience. He brings a distinguished background in catheter ablation and extensive expertise in performing thousands of WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) procedures to Elliot.

Elliot Heart and Vascular Center is a regional leader in providing comprehensive heart and vascular care. Together, these advanced therapies and milestone procedures strengthen Elliot’s position as a comprehensive leader in heart and vascular care and heart rhythm disorder management. The enhanced clinical offerings afford patients convenient access to a higher level of specialized heart care in New Hampshire and New England — from diagnosis and rhythm stabilization to stroke prevention and long‑term follow‑up – within a single, coordinated program.

“By integrating advanced options like catheter ablation and the WATCHMAN™ LAAC program, we are enhancing the quality and coordination of AFib care available to our patients,” said Dr. Kevin Desrosiers, chief physician executive and senior vice president of medical affairs for Elliot Health System. “These advancements reflect our commitment to our extensive model for cardiovascular excellence to better support the health and well‑being of the people we are privileged to serve.”

The expanded Electrophysiology program is supported by Dr. Kevin C. Floyd and Dr. Tong Zhu — two highly experienced electrophysiologists whose combined expertise enhances Elliot’s comprehensive clinical approach to AFib care and strengthens Elliot’s established reputation for excellence in heart care.

“I am honored to join the Elliot Heart and Vascular team at such an important moment for electrophysiology services,” said Dr. Floyd. “I look forward to partnering with this exceptional team of cardiovascular medicine professionals to support pioneering advancements for heart patients and ensure access to the latest heart rhythm care for the communities we serve.”

“The demand for highly complex heart care for communities across New Hampshire is evident. As Southern New Hampshire’s comprehensive provider of cardiac services, we’re proud to provide our residents with a complete suite of advanced services so they have the option to stay in the region for their care,” said Dr. Greg Baxter, president and CEO of Elliot Health System.

Patients and referring physicians seeking more information about the Elliot EP program, catheter ablation, or the WATCHMAN™ implant are encouraged to contact Elliot Heart and Vascular Center directly at 603.627.1669.

To learn more about the groundbreaking treatments offered at the Elliot Heart and Vascular Center to support patients with heart rhythm disorders and stroke prevention, visit ElliotHospital.org/EP.

About AFib, Catheter Ablation and WATCHMAN™ Technology

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) now affects more than 10.5 million American adults — approximately 1 in 22 people — according to new national estimates published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. As its prevalence continues to rise, access to comprehensive AFib care is more important than ever. If left untreated, AFib elevates the risk of stroke and heart failure. Elliot’s expanded service model ensures patients have access to the most advanced treatment options and intentional patient-centered care available.

Catheter Ablation offers patients a pathway to restore and maintain normal heart rhythm, frequently reducing the burden of AFib symptoms and decreasing the long-term need for medications. The WATCHMAN™ implant, a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure, is designed to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients who cannot tolerate or do not want long-term anticoagulation therapy. Used together, these two interventions create a complementary framework for individualized patient care addressing both rhythm control and stroke risk reduction, respectively, within an integrated program.

The WATCHMAN™ technology has been implanted to treat more than 300,000 patients worldwide. The minimally invasive, one-time procedure includes a permanent device which doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day.