Englewood Health Performs 1000th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Posted on by Lauren Weaver
Englewood Health TAVR team
Front Row: Adam Arnofsky, MD, Aron Schwarcz, MD, Molly Schultheis, MD, Robert Ferrante, MD, Denise Goldstein, APN, Raena Kidangan, APN, and Omar Hasan, MD. Back Row: Ramin Hastings, MD, Richard Goldweit, MD, Michael Benz, MD, Lance Kovar MD, Yasuhiro Aoki, and Joseph DeGregorio, MD.

June 14, 2021 — The heart valve team at Englewood Hospital successfully performed its 1000th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure on a patient suffering from aortic stenosis, a debilitating type of heart disease. Initially one of the first hospitals in New Jersey to offer the procedure following its approval by the FDA in 2011, Englewood has become one of the leading TAVR centers in New Jersey.

The TAVR procedure was originally offered as an alternative treatment for patients with aortic stenosis who were not candidates for open-heart surgery due to their age or risk for complications. Since then, it has expanded to lower risk patients. Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the valve, often leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fatigue.

“I’m so proud to work with such an accomplished team,” said Dr. Ramin Hastings, medical director of the structural heart and valve program. “Through the support of our community we have created a program that provides local expertise with outcomes in the top 10% of the country. Having cared for 1000 TAVR patients is a remarkable milestone for Englewood Health.”

Eliminating the need for open-heart surgery, the TAVR procedure allows an artificial valve to be implanted through a catheter that is inserted in the artery of the patient’s leg or chest. The TAVR team at Englewood Hospital, consisting of both interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons who work together to perform the procedure, has observed a high success rate in TAVR patients, with outcomes better than the national average.

“It is an honor to celebrate this achievement with our entire team,” says Denise Goldstein, structural heart and valve program coordinator at Englewood Hospital. “Through the dedication and expertise of our multidisciplinary team, we have performed 1000 cases, with great results. We are extremely proud of this huge accomplishment.”

The treatment offers patients a less-invasive option with a quicker recovery, generally allowing them to return home the next day.

To learn more about the procedure and the Structural Heart and Valve Program, visit www.englewoodhealth.org/heart.

American Heart Association Honors Englewood Health at New Jersey Heart Ball

Posted on by Lauren Weaver

Dr. Samuel Suede, chief of cardiology, named Physician of the Year in Cardiology 

June 4, 2021 — Dr. Samuel Suede, chief of cardiology at Englewood Health, received the Physician of the Year in Cardiology award from the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, at its virtual New Jersey Heart Ball last evening. This annual event is a celebration of life and serves to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, while also highlighting clinical excellence and advancements in these areas across New Jersey.

“Dr. Suede is what I like to call a comprehensive cardiologist,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “He is an outstanding communicator who looks at the whole patient, including their environment and family history. The American Heart Association could not have selected a better physician, or ambassador, to honor and to carry this message forward.”

Dr. Suede was recognized for his leadership, collaboration with physicians across multiple specialties, dedication to improving patient outcomes, and the positive influence he has had on his patients and the medical community of northern New Jersey.

Englewood Hospital Achieves Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award™

Posted on by John Williams

Hospital ranks in top 10% in the nation for patient safety

May 12, 2021 — Englewood Hospital has received the 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, placing it among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for patient safety.

“Receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades speaks to our commitment of ensuring that each of our patients receives the safest, most personalized medical care,” said Kathleen Kaminsky, MS, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Health. “As operations transition to a new normal in hospitals across the country, our patients and visitors can be assured that we are taking every step to ensure their safety.”

From 2017 through 2019, there were 190,273 potentially preventable patient safety events among Medicare patients reported in U.S. hospitals.* Healthgrades found that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average*:

  • 50.3% less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*
  • 60.3% less likely to experience an in-hospital fall resulting in hip fracture than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*
  • 66.5% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*
  • 65.4% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.*

If all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to those performing better than expected on each of the 13 Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) evaluated by Healthgrades, on average, 106,052 patient safety events could have been avoided.*

“The importance of hospital quality is now at the forefront of consumers’ minds, especially as we continue to navigate COVID-19. We congratulate the recipients of the Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award for their ongoing commitment to upholding the highest quality standards for their patients and communities,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer for Healthgrades.

See the full Healthgrades 2021 hospital ratings and quality methodologies.

*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology, which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2020.0.1) to MedPAR data for years 2017 through 2019, and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

Englewood Hospital Nationally Recognized with ‘A’ for Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

Posted on by Lauren Weaver

April 29, 2021 — Englewood Hospital was awarded an “A” grade in hospital safety today, as The Leapfrog Group released its Spring 2021 safety grades. This national distinction recognizes the hospital’s achievements in providing safe health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization dedicated to health care quality and safety.

“We are proud to receive this national recognition from The Leapfrog Group,” said Kathleen Kaminsky, MS, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Health. “The primary goal at Englewood Hospital is to provide each patient with an exceptional experience. This is accomplished through the commitment of our entire healthcare team to hold ourselves to the highest standards of both quality and safety.”

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year.

“An ‘A’ safety grade is an elite designation that your community should be proud of,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for hospitals, but Englewood Hospital shows us it is possible to keep a laser focus on patients and their safety, no matter what it takes.”

The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer reviewed, and the results are available to the public. To see Englewood Health’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.

Englewood Health Foundation Receives Historic Corporate Pledge from ZT Systems

Posted on by John Williams

April 23, 2021 — The Englewood Health Foundation is the recipient of a historic philanthropic pledge from ZT Systems, an international leader in the IT sector with headquarters in Secaucus, NJ. The $4 million pledge is the largest corporate pledge in the Englewood Health Foundation’s history. In recognition of the pledge, the newly planned outpatient center in Jersey City will be named the Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center at Jersey City.

“Englewood Health is resolute in its commitment to ensuring access to high-quality, compassionate care for patients throughout our region,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Thanks to ZT Systems’ commitment and leadership-level support, we will dramatically extend our reach and bring care to our patients’ doorstep—where and how they need it.”

Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center at Jersey City will serve as a centralized medical hub for the health system in Hudson County. The three-floor, 73,000+ square-foot medical facility, slated to open later in 2021, will provide increased access to medical expertise, services and screenings for the community.

“We are very thankful for the hard work and dedication that Englewood Hospital has shown in the community,” said Frank Zhang, President and CEO, ZT Systems. “The daily sacrifices of frontline workers during this pandemic have been both eye opening and admirable. We value our partnership with Englewood Health and this pledge is our way of showing our continued support to the Foundation and its dedication to the community.”

With more than 1,300 people working at ZT Systems facilities in New Jersey and New York, ZT Systems designs, builds, and services computer hardware that is central to hyperscale data centers. Hyperscale data centers make possible the cloud computing services that underpin many aspects of critical infrastructure and enable people to work, learn, and keep in touch remotely. The company’s commitment to philanthropy reflects their strong tradition of caring for and connecting with neighbors.

“ZT Systems’ pledge is an incredible vote of confidence for our team,” said Michael Gutter, chairman of the board of the Englewood Health Foundation. “Their generosity will open the door to a new era of care for patients in Hudson County and help write an exciting new chapter for Englewood Health.”

Among Englewood Health’s strategic priorities over the next decade is expanding care to meet the needs of traditionally underserved populations by engaging and empowering patients. This includes improved access to care and value-based community services that are convenient and patient-centered.

“Now, more than ever, health care is delivered beyond the walls of the hospital,” said Richard Lerner, chairman of the boards of Englewood Health and Englewood Hospital. “By prioritizing access, Englewood Health is reducing barriers to care that may have prevented patients from living fuller, healthier lives. This most recent addition to our health system will place special emphasis not just on treating disease but also welcoming patients as active participants in the healthcare journey.”

To learn more about the Englewood Health Foundation and how philanthropy creates impact on patient care, visit englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease May Bring Years of Relief

Posted on by Lauren Weaver

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative central nervous system disorder whose cause may be genetic or environmental and which usually afflicts those aged 60 or older, although 4% of sufferers are younger than 50 years of age. Symptoms usually gradually, rather than suddenly, appear.

For Parkinson’s disease, treatment can be divided into three modalities: nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic and device/surgical.

“We often give advice about nonpharmacologic therapy, such as regular aerobic exercise and simply taking better care of yourself,” said Gary Alweiss, MD, the chief of neurology at Englewood Health.

Brisk walking, swimming, water aerobics, boxing, dance therapy, and physical therapy can all be helpful for Parkinson’s, according to Dr. Alweiss, who noted that the disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.

Most Parkinson’s patients seen by neurologists are referred by primary care physicians. After nonpharmacologic interventions are tried, medication is typically the next step.

“The decision to start symptomatic pharmacologic medicine is determined by how much the symptoms interfere with the person or impair their quality of life,” Dr. Alweiss said. “However, if the person presents with symptoms that are consistent with Parkinson’s, but the symptoms are very mild and not bothersome at all, then medications are not mandatory.”

For symptoms that become disturbing to the patient, the first medicine prescribed is carbidopa/levodopa, which replaces the dopamine in the body. “This is the gold standard of treatment,” Dr. Alweiss said. “It is the most effective and well tolerated. In fact, in some cases, when the doctor is not even certain that the person has Parkinson’s, a response to carbidopa/levodopa is further evidence that the person does have the disease.”

This oral medication is taken three times a day. It is also not uncommon for Dr. Alweiss to add more drugs over varying time intervals. For instance, the patient might start carbidopa-levodopa, with escalating doses as the disease worsens, or the patient might begin with a different medication, such as amantadine or rasagiline, and then add carbidopa-levodopa.

Gary Alweiss, MD

“About 85% of patients do very nicely on either solo or combination therapy. Most of the time, a person can enjoy at least several years of relief from medication, although responses vary widely.”

Gary Alweiss, MD

“Surgery does not generally help cognitive abnormalities or the person who walks slowly or freezes,” Dr. Alweiss said. Instead, surgery is limited to selected individuals with abnormal motor movements.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most frequently performed device procedure, whereby electrodes are implanted into nuclei of the brain. “DBS can improve the dyskinesia, yet the patient still needs to continue medication,” Dr. Alweiss said.

Genetic testing and molecular biology may allow for identifying the protein and initial genesis of Parkinson’s, which is rarely caused by a known genetic abnormality. “The disease is well localized—we know what parts of the brain are involved,” Dr. Alweiss said.

Stimulating nerve regeneration with neurotrophic factors is also promising. A recent review (J Parkinsons Dis 2018;8[2]:195-215) of clinical trials noted, “Future clinical trials with neurotrophic factors clearly deserve to be conducted, considering the still enticing goal of actually slowing the disease process of Parkinson’s disease.”

Posted April 19, 2021

Latest MRI Technology Enables Faster, More Accurate Results

Posted on by Lauren Weaver

The latest imaging technology is changing clinical care at Englewood Health, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders.

While traditional MRI scanners use magnetic fields measuring 1.5 tesla, the 3-tesla MRIs at Englewood Health use magnets with twice the power to create more highly detailed images. This enhanced resolution enables referring physicians to make diagnoses that may have been missed with conventional imaging.

As Mark Shapiro, MD, the chief of radiology at Englewood Health explained, with conventional MRI scanners, a small portion of patient anatomy is difficult to see due to limited sensitivity and resolution of the scanner. In contrast, the scanners at Englewood Health offer up greater resolution, giving referring physicians and orthopedic surgeons far more confidence in the diagnosis.

“The greatest advantage is in the smaller joints like the wrist, hand, foot or ankle,” Dr. Shapiro said. “The higher strength magnets enable us to see these tiny structures with enough detail that we can diagnose most abnormalities when they appear.”

The machines are fast, too—up to 25% faster than the previous generation of MRI scanners. A quicker examination is not only easier for patients, who might be asked to hold an awkward position for 30 minutes or longer, but the speed also increases accuracy.

“Motion is your enemy in the MRI,” Dr. Shapiro said. “By utilizing increased speed, we’re eliminating motion artifacts that are very common.”

Mark Shapiro, MD

“Motion is your enemy in the MRI,” Dr. Shapiro said. “By utilizing increased speed, we’re eliminating motion artifacts that are very common.”

Mark Shapiro, MD

Although 90% of musculoskeletal imaging is geared toward use of MRI, Dr. Shapiro and his radiology team, composed of subspecialty fellowship-trained radiologists, also employ ultrasound imaging for nonsurgical procedures, such as anesthetic and corticosteroid joint injections, applied directly to damaged joint tissue.

“Ultrasound imaging is easier for patients, and we’re able to perform therapeutic procedures without exposing them to radiation,” said Dr. Shapiro, who noted that fluoroscopy was previously used to guide the needle into the joint.

Ultrasound is also used for the diagnosis of tendon or ligament tears and the characterization of mass lesions in patients who cannot undergo MRI (e.g., because of a pacemaker, claustrophobia or body habitus).

April 14, 2021

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Michael Demyen: Schedule Your Screening – March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Anthony Figueroa

Michael F. Demyen, MD, is a gastroenterologist with Park Medical Group and a member of the Englewood Health Physician Network. Englewood Health offers safe and convenient access to colonoscopy at locations throughout northern New Jersey. 

Did you know that colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable in its early stages? Gastroenterologist Michael Demyen, MD, explains why having a colonoscopy is essential to your health—and why the procedure is easier to undergo now than it was in the past. 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is on the rise in younger people. Most patients who develop colorectal cancer have no family history of the disease. Black Americans are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, but it affects people of all races and ethnicities. 

Why is screening for colorectal cancer important? 

Dr. Demyen: Early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms, and the disease is not detected in routine lab tests or during physical exams. Screening for colorectal cancer allows doctors to find cancers when they are in the early stages and, therefore, more treatable. 

Who should be screened? 

Dr. Demyen: The American Cancer Society recommends that all men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45 and continue every 10 years until age 75. A family history of colorectal cancer and certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), increase a person’s risk. Those at high risk of developing colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about beginning colonoscopy screening prior to age 45 and about undergoing more frequent testing. 

Can having a colonoscopy help prevent colon cancer? 

Dr. Demyen: A colonoscopy is both a screening test and a prevention tool. During a colonoscopy, gastroenterologists may find cancers in early stages, as well as find and remove precancerous polyps. 

What if I’ve had an unpleasant experience with the colonoscopy  procedure in the past? 

Dr. Demyen: Today’s methods of colonoscopy preparation are easier and more tolerable than those of the past, and they cause less bloating and gas. 

How does a colonoscopy work? 

Dr. Demyen: Following laxative preparation, a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and a tiny video camera at the end of the tube is used to visualize the entire colon. 

Is there an alternative if I can’t tolerate a colonoscopy? 

Dr. Demyen: A colonoscopy is the most sensitive screening test, and allows for the removal of abnormal tissue during the procedure. Noninvasive stool tests, such as FIT (fecal immunohistochemical test) and FIT-DNA testing, can be performed at home and sent to a lab to be analyzed. Another option is a virtual colonoscopy, which uses a CT scan to capture images of the colon. These tests are typically performed every year or at three-year intervals. Ask your doctor if one of these tests is right for you. 

Can I wait until after the pandemic for colon cancer screening? 

Dr. Demyen: Patients should not delay their cancer screening tests. In 2020 we saw too many patients experience delays in detecting treatable disease, especially in the most vulnerable communities, due to the pandemic. That delay has unfortunately led to deaths that could have been prevented. Englewood Health has put measures in place to ensure screening and procedures can be performed safely and efficiently. 

Posted March 24, 2021

Englewood Health Awarded Re-Certification from Joint Commission for Total Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, Spinal Fusion Surgery

Posted on by John Williams

Orthopedic and neurosurgery teams earn “Gold Seal of Approval”

March 24, 2021 — Englewood Health has once again received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement certification and the Gold Seal of Approval for Spinal Fusion certification. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. This is the fourth time since 2012 that Englewood Health has received the spinal fusion certification; it has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for Total Joint Replacement-Hip and Total Joint Replacement-Knee continuously since 2008.

“The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for hip and knee replacement is an important recognition of the safe, high-quality orthopedic care provided at Englewood Health,” says Asit K. Shah, MD, PhD, chief of orthopedic surgery and co-founder of the Joint Replacement Center at Englewood Health. “It reflects the dedication of everyone involved in hip and knee replacement, from orthopedic surgery through rehabilitation. My congratulations to the entire joint replacement program for their commitment to providing outstanding patient care.”

“At Englewood Health, we offer multi-specialty treatment for spine disease that includes both neurosurgical and orthopedic specialists,” says neurosurgeon Omar Syed, MD. “This national quality rating for spinal fusion surgery provides external validation of our safety and quality, which patients can rely on when choosing a hospital for spine surgery. Our team is providing top-notch spine care, day in and day out, and every member of the team is to be commended on this achievement.”

Englewood Health underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in November 2020 for all three programs in which Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards, as well as assessed clinical practice guidelines and performance measures. The review process included surveys that studied patient outcomes, patient and team member interviews, and policy reviews.

“Certification recognizes health organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer for accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing executive at The Joint Commission. “We commend Englewood Health for using certification to reduce variations in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for joint replacement and spinal fusion patients.”

“Achieving this level of certification in spinal fusion, total hip replacement, and knee replacement surgery is a reflection of the tireless efforts of our doctors, nurses, and other clinical and non-clinical staff, who are committed to assuring quality and safety every day for our patients,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “We congratulate our teams on this recognition of our quality and safety by The Joint Commission and we thank each member for their dedication to our community.”