Holy Cross Health is making waves in cardiac care by recently performing its first procedure with the newly approved FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System, a cutting-edge technology designed to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent type of arrhythmia. The cardiology team recently conducted its inaugural procedure using this newly approved system, showcasing a significant leap in treating heart rhythm disorders.
The FARAPULSE PFA System offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional thermal ablation methods. It utilizes a non-thermal approach that effectively targets the heart tissue responsible for abnormal rhythms. This innovative technology is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from drug-refractory, recurrent, symptomatic, and paroxysmal AF, as it significantly reduces the risks associated with conventional thermal ablations.
“Instead of using cold or heat energy, the FARAPULSE PFA System uses short bursts of high energy targeting the heart tissue, which will lead to a normal rhythm,” explains Adrienne Wolfson, Executive Director of Nursing Administration at Holy Cross Health
. “It’s safer and faster than conventional ablations.”
Traditional ablation procedures insert catheters into the heart to deliver intense temperatures and destroy problematic areas. The FARAPULSE PFA System uses tissue-selective, non-thermal electric fields, minimizing damage to surrounding structures and enhancing patient safety.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the atria, the heart’s upper chambers, beat irregularly and too quickly. This condition can severely impact the heart’s efficiency, leading to blood clots and significantly increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. AF affects nearly 2% of the global population, with around seven million Americans living with this condition.
A 12-month randomized clinical trial demonstrated that the FARAPULSE PFA System is as effective and safe as conventional thermal ablation. Moreover, the procedure requires less time and has a shorter physician learning curve. Real-world data from over 17,000 patients further emphasizes its safety, with no reported cases of serious complications such as permanent phrenic nerve palsy or pulmonary vein stenosis.
This new technology gives us the ability to increase our procedure volume in a safer, more efficient way,” says Dani Echarte, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC Nurse Manager of the Heart and Vascular Program at Holy Cross Health. We are excited to be able to accommodate our patients and the community by using PFA which is currently only offered in selective hospital systems at this time.”
With the introduction of the FARAPULSE PFA System, Holy Cross Health is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against atrial fibrillation. It will provide patients with a safer and more effective treatment option that can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
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