If you or a loved one lives with atrial fibrillation (AFib), you know how disruptive and potentially dangerous this disorder can be. AFib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications. AFib affects more than seven million Americans. As a result, new treatment options are continually being developed to improve safety and outcomes. AMS Cardiology is proud to be at the forefront of innovation with the new Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System.
This cutting-edge technology treats AFib safely and effectively. Because the energy is selective to heart tissue, it reduces the risk of damage to nearby organs, leading to faster treatment and recovery times.
What Is AFib?
AFib is when the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat too fast and irregularly. This reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or more serious problems like blood clots and stroke.
Early diagnosis and intervention are necessary because AFib often worsens over time. Preventive cardiology care and regular checkups are necessary to keep your heart healthy. The right treatment team will help patients manage their risk factors and select the right treatments before the disorder leads to complications.
How Pulsed Field Ablation Works
Traditional ablation procedures use either heat (radiofrequency) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy the heart tissue that’s triggering the irregular rhythms. While effective, these thermal methods can also damage surrounding tissue or structures, leading to longer recovery times.
PFA is a non-thermal alternative – it uses neither heat nor cold. Instead, this system uses targeted electrical pulses to selectively remove (ablate) the problematic tissue. This reduces the risk of collateral damage and allows for a faster, safer procedure.
In testing, PFA has shown excellent results. The ADVENT trial, the first randomized study comparing PFA to thermal ablation, found similar safety and effectiveness as traditional AFib treatment, but with shorter treatment times. Real-world data from over 17,000 patients worldwide also supports the new treatment’s reliability and safety.
Who Is PFA For?
This new system is approved for patients with drug-refractory, recurrent, symptomatic, paroxysmal AFib. In other words, a form of AFib where episodes come and go. It’s especially recommended for those who have not responded to medications or who are looking for a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment option.
If you’ve tried medications but still experience symptoms, or if you’re concerned about the risks of traditional ablation, this may be a good option for you. The team at AMS will evaluate your heart health, review your history and determine if PFA is the right fit for you.
Comparison to Traditional Treatments
AFib treatment typically starts with lifestyle changes and medication, including blood thinners to reduce stroke risk and medications to help regulate the heartbeat. For many, these options work well and are the first steps in preventive cardiology, especially when combined with regular monitoring.
For others, especially when medications fall short, ablation becomes necessary. Traditional thermal ablation has been used successfully for decades, but Pulsed Field Ablation offers a gentler, next-generation alternative that minimizes some of the known risks.
Benefits at a Glance
- Non-thermal approach means reduced risk to nearby organs
- Shorter procedure times and faster recovery
- Minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment
- Backed by clinical trials and real-world data
- Ideal for patients with paroxysmal AFib who haven’t found relief through medication
Your Next Step in AFib Care
New advances in treating atrial fibrillation are making it easier than ever to manage symptoms, reduce risks and return to daily life with confidence. If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib and are considering different treatment options, speak with a local cardiologist who understands your health history. The Pulsed Field Ablation System may be a great fit for certain patients at AMS.
Schedule a consultation with AMS Cardiology today and see if this innovative approach is right for you.
