Methodist Hospital, known for its leading cardiology services in Texas, has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in cardiac care: Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA). This marks the first introduction of such a procedure in San Antonio, offering a significant leap forward in treating cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, which affects over 38 million people worldwide.
Atrial fibrillation disrupts the heart's rhythm, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to serious complications like clot formation and stroke. Pulsed Field Ablation precisely targets and eliminates abnormal electrical pathways in the heart without causing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, unlike traditional ablation methods which use extreme temperatures.
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 anticipate shorter procedure durations, reduced radiation exposure, and decreased risk of complications compared to conventional methods. Additionally, the non-thermal nature of PFA expands treatment options for patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional ablation techniques due to anatomical considerations.
Methodist Healthcare is committed to providing world-class cardiac care across its facilities, with plans to introduce Pulsed Field Ablation at Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, Methodist Hospital Northeast, and Methodist Hospital Texsan. Dr. Fernando Triana, MD, underscores the health system's dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes and well-being in the realm of cardiology.
