WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Via Christi St. Francis has successfully performed a new, more precise treatment for atrial fibrillation.
A-fib, as it is often referred to, is one of the most common forms of irregular heartbeat. It occurs in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, and those diagnosed with it experience rapid, irregular heartbeats.
A-fib can prevent blood from flowing properly to the lower chambers of the heart. This can lead to blood pooling in the heart, which can lead to blood clots and stroke.
It is often treated through ablation, in which a catheter is inserted into a patient up to their heart, and heat or cold is used to destroy the abnormal tissue causing A-fib. Via Christi says it has just successfully completed a new procedure called the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System.
Via Christi says the new procedure, led by cardiac electrophysiologic P.D. Margolis, MD, marks a significant advancement for heart care patients. The FARAPULSE PFA System works similarly to traditional ablation procedures, but it uses electric fields to target specific areas of heart tissue causing irregular heartbeats, which Via Christi says reduces the risk for complications.
“We reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues with this procedure because it
doesn’t rely on extreme temperatures. It is an innovative and effective treatment option for managing A-fib with significantly fewer risks,” saID Dr. Margolis in a news release from Ascension Via Christi. “By adopting this technology, Via Christi continues to demonstrate its commitment to bring the most advanced, most effective heart care to Wichita.”
Atrial Fibrillation affects around 12 million Americans. Symptoms of A-fib can come and go, but here are the most common symptoms:
- Feelings of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat, called palpitations.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Lightheadedness.
- Reduced ability to exercise.
- Shortness of breath.
- Weakness.
If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, contact your doctor to make an appointment. Some people with A-fib may not even notice they have it. If left untreated, A-fib leads to a much higher risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Click here to learn more about Ascension Via Christi’s Cardiology services.
