A groundbreaking innovation is making waves for the approximate six million Americans who suffer with atrial fibrillation (AFib). It’s called pulsed field ablation. In our latest podcast episode, host Debra Schindler talks with Dr. Sunjeet Sidhu, a renowned cardiac electrophysiologist at MedStar Health, to explore the intricacies and benefits of this safer, faster, cutting-edge treatment.
The number of those suffering with AFib, may even be an underestimate, but statistics show they are steadily increasing due to factors such as an aging population and the obesity epidemic. Traditionally, AFIB treatment involved thermal ablation methods, which, although effective, posed risks of collateral damage to surrounding tissues. Enter pulsed field ablation, a technique that uses ultra-short electrical pulses to target and destroy abnormal heart tissue without harming nearby structures. This method is not only safer but also more efficient, reducing procedure times significantly.
Dr. Sidhu explains how pulsed field ablation works by creating a scar tissue barrier, effectively isolating the problematic areas of the heart that trigger AFIB. Unlike thermal ablation, which relies on heating or freezing tissues, pulsed field ablation uses electroporation to disrupt cell membranes, leading to cell death and scar formation. The heart cells are particularly sensitive to this type of injury, allowing for precise targeting without affecting surrounding tissues.
The benefits of pulsed field ablation are manifold. Patients experience shorter procedure times, reduced anesthesia exposure, and fewer complications. Dr. Sidhu shares his firsthand experiences, noting a significant improvement in patient outcomes and satisfaction. He recounts a heartwarming story of a young mother who, after undergoing the procedure, was able to regain her quality of life and engage in activities with her children without the debilitating effects of AFIB.
For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.
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