Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Holy Spirit Medical Center, and St. Joseph Medical Center are leading the way in Pennsylvania by offering patients new technology for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of heart arrhythmia. These hospitals have introduced the FARAPULSE Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System, a new therapy that minimizes damage to adjacent structures such as the esophagus and nearby nerves while effectively eliminating affected heart tissue.
Unlike current ablation therapies that use extreme heat or cold to burn or freeze tissue, PFA utilizes a catheter to target tissue associated with abnormal heart rhythms by administering rapid electrical impulses. This allows electrophysiologists to eliminate affected heart tissue more effectively, leading to a faster and safer procedure for patients. AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat too rapidly and with an irregular rhythm, impairing the heart’s pumping efficiency and increasing the risk of stroke.
In addition to PFA, the three hospitals also offer radiofrequency and cryoablation as treatment options for AFib. Dr. Steven Ettinger, vice president and physician leader of Cardiovascular Services at Penn State Health, highlighted the significance of introducing pulsed field ablation in central Pennsylvania for individuals dealing with the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder. The cutting-edge equipment in the hands of Penn State Health’s skilled cardiovascular specialists allows patients to access advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized widespread use of the PFA technology in patients in January after a randomized clinical trial comparing its efficacy and safety with standard ablation techniques. As a result, patients may be able to discontinue medications prescribed for AFib. With AFib affecting nearly two percent of the global population and more than six million Americans, the availability of innovative treatments like PFA at Penn State Health hospitals is a significant step forward in cardiovascular care.
The three hospitals have been using this technology since last year and have already performed several successful procedures using it.
Dr Ettinger stated “We are excited about this new addition to our cardiovascular services portfolio as it provides us with an effective way to treat this common condition without causing harm to surrounding tissues.”
The FARAPULSE Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System is just one example of how Penn State Health is continuing to lead innovation in healthcare services across central Pennsylvania.
Overall, these three hospitals are taking advantage of new technologies that allow them to provide better care for their patients while reducing risks associated with traditional treatment methods.