Dr. Andrea Natale, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S., F.E.S.C., is an honored and globally renowned cardiologist. He currently serves as the Executive Medical Director for the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin and as the National Medical Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology for HCA Healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Natale is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Atrial Fibrillation. With numerous professional designations for his outstanding research and work, Dr. Natale has established himself as a cornerstone to expanding new technologies and practices within the cardiology field. Cherished by his patients, Dr. Natale’s electrophysiology (EP) specialty aims to improve patients’ heart function and, by extension, their lives.
Dr. Andrea Natale: Expanding the Research Body for Cardiology
A true advocate for heart health, Dr. Natale has created technology and procedures to provide care for patients who have not found success through conventional means. For example, he was the first U.S. electrophysiologist to perform percutaneous epicardial radiofrequency ablation, a procedure meant for people for whom conventional ablation procedures have failed. Continually striving to expand the current knowledge base in cardiology and EP, he has been a catalyst in creating new platforms for information, publishing several articles on pacing and EP in many reputable, peer-reviewed journals. He also holds patents for several life-saving devices, including one used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).
In 2012, he conceptualized and executed the first-ever EP Live in Austin. However, Dr. Natale’s astonishing set of accolades began long before he assumed his current positions.
Dr. Natale and the Road to Electrophysiological Innovation
Prior to his current work, Dr. Natale served as a member of the Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Section Head of the Department of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, and the Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic. As a highly accomplished clinician, researcher, and academician, Dr. Natale has continuously contributed to bodies of knowledge in his field. He has also served on the Food and Drug Administration’s Taskforce for Atrial Fibrillation.
Dr. Andrea Natale has held multiple faculty positions at prestigious research institutions, such as Stanford University and Duke University. Speaking at conferences, and later creating his own, he has worked tirelessly to promote cardiological awareness and long-term positive outcomes for patients.
EP Live Austin: The Event Heard All Around the World
In 2012, Dr. Andrea Natale, along with other electrophysiology leaders, created EP Live, an intensive two-day conference where electrophysiologists and fellows in training learn from the brightest in the industry. Seeking to educate cardiologists on how to tackle complex arrhythmia issues, the event’s primary goal is to broaden attendees’ understanding of a plethora of cardiological devices, management of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and ablation techniques, among other developments. With live and recorded cases (or surgical broadcasting), attendees observe the newest innovations in the field.
EP Live takes place every two years, with 2020 marking its fifth year. Most recently, the event went virtual, allowing participants to follow COVID-19 protocols while continuing the tradition. It will be exciting to see what venturing into the virtual world will mean for the future of EP Live Austin and other electrophysiology events.
EP Live International: The New Frontier
Dr. Andrea Natale and his team have taken EP Live to the international arena. Originally based in Austin, various other countries have joined the effort in hosting EP Live or plans to host it in the future.
In 2019, EP Live India broadcasted, presenting 16 live and 13 pre-recorded cases. Hosted in the city of Ashoknagar, the conference was similar in structure to the original Austin-based EP Live; however, this particular event showcased more Indian cardiologists and experts in EP. Italy, Columbia and China have also joined the EP Live team as hosts which will foster more collaboration among global innovators in cardiology.
Dr. Andrea Natale and EP Live: The Catalyst to a Better Conversation on Cardiology
Dr. Natale and his team of expert collaborators have performed exceptional work expanding EP knowledge throughout the world. The value of their dedication in finding comprehensive solutions to non-conventional issues is undeniable. Their well-developed methodology involves the evaluation of current practices, identification of flaws and shortcomings, as well as the application of interventional approaches. Through these methods, they successfully equip surgeons and clinicians around the world with the tools necessary to reduce complications and provide exceptional care for patients.
Redefining Cardiac Care in a Global Environment
In seeking to answer questions and find solutions for the most complicated atrial fibrillation cases and other types of arrhythmia, Dr. Natale and EP Live are taking the lead in global health solutions. AF is one of the leading types of heart issues plaguing human health, with an estimated 12+ million Americans suffering from AF by 2030. This does not account for other heart rhythm issues or diseases. Additionally, the likelihood of developing a heart condition increases with age and other factors, making more people at risk than they might think. In addressing cardiology’s most complicated and nuanced aspects, the more common problems will be more thoroughly mitigated. Dr. Andrea Natale and his team have accomplished a great deal to provide answers and solutions to billions, helping meet the human right to health and quality of life.
