April 2, 2024 — Cardiac electrophysiologists at Englewood Hospital have successfully treated their first patient using an emerging technology called pulsed field ablation. This technology offers patients with atrial fibrillation access to more precise procedures, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life when they pursue treatment for their abnormal heart rhythm.
“Pulsed field ablation is a game-changer in the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said Grant Simons, MD, chief of heart rhythm services at Englewood Hospital. “It offers a safer and more efficient way to treat atrial fibrillation while minimizing damage to surrounding heart structures. Englewood Hospital is proud to offer this cutting-edge solution to patients across northern New Jersey.”
Atrial fibrillation occurs when electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers misfire, leading to irregular and rapid heartbeats. This can raise the risk of complications like blood clots or stroke if left untreated.
Unlike traditional methods of ablation that use heat or cold to destroy abnormal heart tissue and treat atrial fibrillation, pulsed field ablation employs pulsed electric fields. These fields are delivered through a specialized catheter, disrupting irregular electrical impulses by creating tiny pores in the tissue. This process interrupts the abnormal pathways causing atrial fibrillation.
By targeting precise areas, pulsed field ablation can prevent faulty signals from spreading to other parts of the heart. Cardiac electrophysiologists at Englewood Hospital are leveraging the newly FDA-approved Medtronic PulseSelect™ pulsed field ablation system to deliver this novel therapy.