Methodist Hospital performs first Pulsed Field Ablation in San Antonio
A new treatment of cardiac arrhythmias provides patients with a safer and more effective option for managing atrial fibrillation.
San Antonio, Texas — Methodist Hospital, recognized as the number one provider of cardiology in Texas, announces a groundbreaking advancement in cardiac care with the introduction of Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) the first and only cardiac ablation procedure of its kind in San Antonio. This technology represents a significant leap forward in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, providing patients with a safer, more efficient, and effective option for managing atrial fibrillation, a serious heart condition impacting more than 38 million people worldwide.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the top two chambers of the heart beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation). This arrhythmia ultimately decreases the heart’s pumping efficiency, which can cause clots in the heart, and lead to stroke.
Pulsed Field Ablation utilizes innovative technology to precisely target and eliminate abnormal electrical pathways in the heart responsible for causing arrhythmias. During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms. Rather than relying on thermal technology, PFA delivers pulsed electric fields, sparing surrounding healthy tissue from damage and reducing the risk of complications.
Dr. David Pederson, medical director of the Electrophysiology Lab at Methodist Hospital, recently performed the hospital’s first Pulsed Field Ablation. “This groundbreaking technology advances cardiac care and our ability to safely and effectively treat patients with cardiac arrhythmias,” stated Dr. Pederson. “PFA allows for more precise lesion creation while minimizing the risk of collateral damage, leading to positive patient outcomes and a faster recovery.”
Patients undergoing PFA can expect shorter procedure times, reduced radiation exposure, and decreased risk of complications compared to conventional ablation methods. Furthermore, the non-thermal nature of PFA makes it suitable for patients who may not be candidates for traditional ablation techniques due to factors such as proximity to the esophagus or other critical structures.
Several other Methodist Healthcare facilities will soon offer the advanced procedure including Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, Methodist Hospital Northeast, and Methodist Hospital Texsan.
“At Methodist Healthcare, our goal is to provide every patient with world-class care through the latest advances in cardiology treatment,” says Fernando Triana, MD, physician director of Cardiac, Vascular, Pulmonary, and Thoracic Service Lines. “By adopting Pulsed Field Ablation at multiple facilities across our health system, we will be able to treat patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias in a more advanced and effective manner, ultimately improving their health and well-being like never before.”