“Those who suffer from AFib are at a higher risk for stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications,” NOMC officials said in a news release on Thursday. “However, AFib is treatable, and patients at North Okaloosa Medical Center now have access to new pulsed-field ablation technology in catheter ablation procedures. PFA may provide a safer and more targeted treatment option for patients living with AFib.
“Traditionally, catheter ablation uses extreme heat or cold to destroy problematic heart tissue and restore normal rhythm. However, these methods can pose a small risk of damage to nearby structures such as the esophagus, lungs, and nerves.
“PFA utilizes short, controlled bursts of energy to selectively target and treat affected tissue, minimizing impact to surrounding structures and reducing the risk of complications. This allows the physician to more precisely treat specific areas and improve procedural outcomes.”
NOMC officials added, “This newer ablation method is often integrated with advanced cardiac mapping technology, which creates a 3D model of the heart’s electrical activity in real time. This visual guidance enhances accuracy, helping physicians precisely position catheters and deliver treatment only where needed, while potentially reducing or eliminating radiation exposure during the procedure.”
“We’re proud to offer this advanced atrial fibrillation treatment, which represents a major step forward in cardiac care for the communities we serve,” NOMC CEO Mike Nordness said in the news release. “By investing in leading-edge technology and clinical expertise, we’re helping patients achieve better outcomes, faster recoveries, and improved quality of life — close to home.”
For more information about the Heart & Vascular Center at North Okaloosa Medical center, visit https://www.northokaloosa.com/cardiac-care.
