On October 3, 2024, Dr. Matthew Sackett and the Electrophysiology (EP) team at Centra Heart & Vascular Institute successfully performed Centra’s first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedure, marking an important milestone in advanced cardiac care in the region. PFA, approved by the FDA in February 2024, offers a novel treatment option for atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to blood clots and increase the risk of stroke.
Pulsed Field Ablation represents a significant advancement in non-thermal cardiac ablation technology. Using precisely directed high-intensity electrical pulses, PFA targets cardiac arrhythmias and tumors without the heat or cold associated with traditional methods. This non-thermal approach is especially suited for patients whose AFib is in the paroxysmal or early persistent stages, characterized by brief episodes of fibrillation lasting less than a week.
“Pulsed field ablation is the newest advance in ablation technology for atrial fibrillation. Previous ablation has used thermal energy with either heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation), which had a risk of damage to surrounding structures such as the esophagus and the phrenic nerve,” explained Dr. Matthew Sackett. “This energy is tailored to avoid such collateral injury and only ablate the heart muscle tissue that is targeted.”
As Dr. Sackett describes, PFA offers an effective alternative to traditional catheter ablation by reducing the likelihood of thermally mediated complications. The technique also facilitates faster pulmonary vein isolation, potentially shortening procedure times and offering a safer, more efficient experience for patients.
“It (PFA) uses an electrical pulse to create the ablation lesions. It is much safer and will ultimately be much faster. This will allow us to treat more patients with shorter waiting periods and less risk of complications,” said Dr. Sackett. “We are excited to bring this new approach to our patients in the Lynchburg area.”
With PFA now available, Centra Heart & Vascular Institute is equipped to provide patients in the Lynchburg area with a cutting-edge, safer alternative for treating AFib, enhancing healthy patient outcomes and access to timely cardiac care.
