SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Atrial fibrillation, a rapidly growing heart disorder in the U.S., is now being targeted with a revolutionary procedure that can eliminate the problem in just seconds. Unlike the traditional method of cardiac ablation, which involves burning and scarring faulty heart tissue, this newly approved procedure offers a quicker and less invasive solution for patients like Rob Sears, 79, who suffered from an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation for nearly eight years, affecting his daily life and hobbies such as hiking.
For patients with AFib, the risk of stroke is higher, making it crucial to explore alternative treatment options. In the case of Sears, the conventional method of cardiac ablation was not suitable due to his age, as it requires general anesthesia and a lengthy recovery period. Dr. Shephal Doshi, a cardiac electrophysiologist at the Sandra and Vin Scully Heart Rhythm Center, introduced a non-thermal, high amplitude electrical field known as pulsed field ablation (PFA) to address the issue without causing collateral damage to surrounding tissues.
The PFA procedure, approved by the FDA in January for the treatment of AFib, has significantly reduced the time required for treatment from three hours to just minutes. Doshi explained that the quick and efficient nature of PFA allows for multiple applications in various areas of the heart, resulting in a broader range of tissue coverage compared to traditional methods. Patients like Sears have experienced immediate improvements in symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, leading to a better quality of life post-procedure.
With its minimal impact on the body and faster recovery time, PFA has expanded the treatment options for patients who were previously not candidates for cardiac ablation. This groundbreaking approach offers hope to individuals with atrial fibrillation looking to improve their overall well-being and resume their daily activities without the limitations caused by the condition. Sears, who underwent the procedure and found immediate relief, now looks forward to embarking on new adventures and regaining his active lifestyle.