Revolutionizing Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Fairfield Medical Center Introduces Pulsed Field Ablation Therapy

Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster has recently introduced pulsed field ablation (PFA) therapy as a treatment for atrial fibrillation (afib). This dangerous arrhythmia affects more than 59 million people worldwide and can worsen over time if not treated early. As afib progresses and becomes more persistent, it can negatively impact heart function, overall health, and quality of life.

The Medtronic PulseSelect™ PFA System offers breakthrough technology with lower risks of complications compared to traditional ablation therapies. Traditional ablation therapies use thermal effects to form scar tissue within the heart, interrupting irregular electrical pathways and restoring normal heart rhythm. PFA, on the other hand, uses pulsed electric fields to efficiently target, isolate, and eliminate triggers of the arrhythmia without extreme temperatures. This novel approach safely and effectively treats both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation while reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue and structures.

Cardiologist Alexander Hattoum, MD, who performed the first PFA procedures at FMC, stated that this new technology is a game changer for the safety and speed of atrial fibrillation ablations. It will allow for nearly doubling procedural volumes, particularly for paroxysmal afib patients, and enable quicker recovery times for patients.

Atrial fibrillation can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath, and individuals living with the condition are at a higher risk of stroke. If you or someone you know has afib, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider about treatment options. Contact Fairfield Healthcare Professionals Cardiology at 740-689-4480 for more information on how pulsed field ablation therapy can help manage this dangerous arrhythmia.