Innovative treatment for A-Fib patients offered by Northside Hospital

HCA Florida Northside Hospital completed their first cardiac ablation procedure using a unique new alternative to standard-of-care thermal ablation. A non-thermal approach for the treatment of drug-refractory, recurrent, symptomatic, paroxysmal (i.e., intermittent) atrial fibrillation (AFib), it is proven to be an effective treatment option for patients while minimizing risks associated with thermal ablation. During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms. This new procedure  relies on tissue selective, non-thermal electric fields to ablate heart tissue and avoid damage to surrounding structures.

“The incidence of atrial fibrillation is on the rise, and such safe, effective and efficient therapies allows us to treat more patients, reduce complications, and benefit overall public health,” stated Dr. Robert Sheppard, Electrophysiologist, HCA Florida Northside Hospital.