Cleveland Clinic, a leading healthcare institution, has recently made headlines for being among the first hospitals to perform a new tissue-sparing ablation procedure. This innovative technology, known as pulsed field ablation (PFA), offers a safer and more effective alternative for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (Afib).
Traditionally, ablation procedures involve the use of extreme temperatures to destroy areas associated with abnormal heart rhythms. However, this approach can pose risks of injury to surrounding structures. In contrast, PFA utilizes tissue-selective, non-thermal electric fields to ablate heart tissue, thereby avoiding such potential harm.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent approval of PFA technology came after successful clinical trials, including the ADVENT and PULSED AF trials in which Cleveland Clinic participated. The results demonstrated that the therapy was as safe and effective as conventional thermal ablation.
Dr. Oussama Wazni, section head of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing at Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating, ‘This is an important step forward in treatment options for patients with Afib. As part of the trial, our physicians were able to learn how the new therapy works, and we found, in addition to being safer, it saved time in the operating room.’
Atrial fibrillation, characterized by irregular heart rhythms, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. If left untreated, Afib can also increase the risk of stroke. With over 33 million global diagnoses, the condition is more prevalent among older adults.
Cleveland Clinic’s pioneering use of PFA technology underscores its commitment to advancing patient care and exploring innovative treatment options. The successful implementation of this new ablation procedure marks a significant milestone in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with Afib.
