Marshall Health Network offers breakthrough treatment for heart rhythm problems

The experienced physicians and staff at St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute, a member of Marshall Health Network, offer the latest state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating heart rhythm irregularities.

Marshall Health Network electrophysiologists at St. Mary's Regional Heart Institute completed the first cardiac ablation procedures using the FARAPULSE and PulseSelect Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) systems for treating atrial fibrillation.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a new treatment for atrial fibrillation that works by sending short bursts of electrical energy to the parts of the heart causing the problem, disrupting those cells and stopping the abnormal rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as Afib, affects over 59 million people worldwide. It’s a condition where the heart beats irregularly and can get worse over time if not treated early. As it worsens, Afib can lead to more hospital visits, heart failure, a higher risk of death, and a lower quality of life.

Unlike older methods that use heat or cold, PFA uses electricity to carefully target only the problem areas, leaving healthy heart tissue unharmed. This makes it a safer option with fewer risks, like accidentally damaging nearby parts of the body. Although still being studied, PFA is showing great promise for treating AF with fewer complications and faster recovery times.

“Afib is a growing cardiac concern worldwide, and we have seen an increase in more patients seeking treatment,” said Melissa Mielcarek, MSHA, MBA, FACHE, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute. “PFA can provide patients with a treatment option that doesn’t cause unwanted injury to surrounding tissues like traditional ablation technologies – helping physicians put patient safety first.”

If you or someone you know has Afib, talk to your doctor to see if PFA is a possible treatment option. For more information, visit st-marys.org/heart.