The first Medtronic Affera™ Ventricular optimized pulsed field ablation case done in the Pacific Northwest was completed at Tacoma General Hospital last week. Pulse Heart Institute is one of the few sites in the nation to perform a ventricular PFA case using this technology for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Led by Electrophysiologist Dr. Arun Sridhar and supported by the Cath lab team – Electrophysiology Technologist Patty Kelly, Electrophysiology Technologist Jaimie Settle, RN Jenny Chai and representatives from the Medtronic clinical team – the case was completed safely without complications, and the patient is doing well.
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) for ventricular arrhythmias – such as VT and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) – is an emerging, non-thermal ablation approach that uses high-energy electrical pulses to create precise lesions in heart muscle. Because PFA can be more selective for myocardial tissue, it has the potential to treat complex ventricular arrhythmias while minimizing injury to surrounding structures. This technology holds promise for patients with complicated cardiac conditions and refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
Pulse received one-time compassionate use approval by the FDA to use this technology for a patient who has had recurrent ventricular arrhythmia despite conventional ablation therapy.
“Ventricular PFA has shown promise in creating deeper, more durable lesions in challenging arrhythmia substrates. As longer-term outcomes are collected and evaluated, we’re hopeful this approach will expand options for patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias,” said Dr. Sridhar.
Congratulations to the Pulse team who performed this milestone procedure and thank you to everyone involved in bringing this novel and critical service to the Puget Sound Region, giving our patients access to life-changing care closer to home.
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