USA Health Providence performs pulsed field ablation on first patient in Mobile 

By Michelle Ryan
mryan@health.southalabama.edu

A patient at USA Health Providence Hospital was successfully treated with a new pulsed field ablation (PFA) system – a breakthrough technology that uses pulsed electric fields to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). It was the first time this procedure has been performed in Mobile.  

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this system can effectively, efficiently, and safely treat AF in patients who experience it periodically or persistently.  

A progressive condition, AF impacts more than 59 million people worldwide, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Without early intervention, AF can progress and become more sustained over time. The progression of AF is associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular admissions, heart failure, and mortality, along with a reduced quality of life. 

“As the regional leader in cardiac care, it is critical that we provide the latest technology for those we are privileged to serve,” said Rick Metzger, MMHC, BSN, assistant administrator, and interim CEO of USA Health Providence. “This investment allows our physicians to offer an even wider range of ways to treat atrial fibrillation in a safe and effective way.  Ultimately, this technology has the potential to improve outcomes, which will allow our patients to lead longer, better lives.”   

Considered a breakthrough, PFA works by delivering pulsed electric fields through an ablation catheter designed specifically to interrupt electrical pathways in the heart that trigger AF. Other ablation technologies rely on thermal effects to target cardiac tissue and risk damage to collateral structures in the heart. Because the mechanism of cell death in PFA is non-thermal, the risk of collateral structure damage is potentially lower.  

If you or someone you know has AF, talk to your healthcare provider to see if PFA is a treatment option.