What Exactly is Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA)?
PFA ablation uses electrical pulses to target the heart tissue causing AFib. Unlike radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to burn away tissue, PFA works by delivering short bursts of electrical pulses to disrupt the abnormal signals in the heart. This method is both precise and controlled, which helps reduce the risk of damage to nearby structures.
For many patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or persistent atrial fibrillation, PFA ablation can offer a safer, more effective option than traditional techniques.
Why Consider PFA Ablation?
What makes PFA ablation stand out is how targeted it is. Traditional ablation can sometimes harm nearby tissues, like the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. With PFA, the electrical pulses are designed to focus specifically on the problem tissue, minimizing the chance of damage to surrounding structures.
In addition, PFA ablation reduces the risk of pulmonary vein stenosis (a narrowing of the veins), which can be a side effect of traditional ablation methods. So, for patients who’ve tried other treatments without success, PFA offers a safer, more precise alternative.
How Does PFA Ablation Work?
During the PFA procedure, a PFA catheter is threaded into the heart. The catheter delivers electrical pulses to the tissue causing the abnormal heart rhythms. These pulses create irreversible electroporation in the heart tissue, disrupting the electrical signals responsible for AFib.
The big advantage of PFA is its precision. By focusing on the tissue that’s causing the problem, it reduces the risk of affecting other areas of the heart, like the phrenic nerve. This is a huge plus when compared to traditional thermal ablation, which can cause more widespread damage to healthy tissue.
What’s the Recovery Like?
One of the reasons patients are increasingly choosing PFA ablation is because it has a lower risk of complications compared to traditional methods. While there are still risks, such as pericardial tamponade (a rare but serious complication), PFA typically leads to a quicker recovery with fewer side effects.
Compared to older methods, PFA has a better safety profile, with fewer complications like esophageal injury or phrenic nerve damage. Patients often experience less pain and recover faster, getting back to their normal activities sooner.
Why Choose Dr. Arshia M. Noori, MD?
Dr. Arshia M. Noori, MD, is highly skilled in cardiac electrophysiology and has been offering PFA ablation as a treatment option for many patients. His approach is all about using the latest technology to provide the safest, most effective treatment possible for patients living with AFib.
As more data comes in from clinical trials and with FDA approval for PFA, this method is quickly becoming one of the top choices for treating AFib. If you’ve been struggling with atrial fibrillation, it might be worth talking to Dr. Noori about whether PFA ablation could be right for you.
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