The Pulse Puget Sound Region (PSR) Electrophysiology (EP) team has successfully launched an Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Ablation Program at Good Samaritan Hospital, expanding access to advanced heart rhythm care for the East Pierce community.
The program began on March 5 with the completion of the first three procedures using the Medtronic Affera system. Additional cases have been performed since that time, all safely and with successful outcomes. The initial procedures were performed by Dr. Arun Sridhar in collaboration with anesthesiologist Dr. Kaleb Jensen and the EP care team, including Sara Bohannan, CEPS; Aidan Bremont, RT; EP technologists; and Amanda Carre, RN.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and reduced quality of life. AFib ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets abnormal electrical pathways in the heart to restore normal rhythm. The program utilizes pulsed field ablation (PFA), a leading-edge technology that may offer important safety advantages compared to traditional thermal ablation methods.
The successful launch reflects extensive planning and collaboration across cardiology, electrophysiology, anesthesia, and nursing teams. Key contributors include but are not limited to Dr. Tariq Salam, Director of EP; Michael McDonald, AVP of Innovation; Lindzey Rubio, TG Nurse Manager; Ashley Eubank, GS Nurse Manager; Lane Wilson, EP Lead Technician; Wally Rubio, CVT; Lesie Wulfukuhle, RN; and the EP nurse navigator team.
Thank you to the entire PSR EP team and partners whose dedication made this important program possible.
For more information about Pulse Heart Institute and its programs, visit the Pulse website or call:
Inland Northwest 509-755-5500
Puget Sound Region 253-572-7320