One Procedure, Two Goals: Rhythm Control and Stroke Prevention

Living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) means more than coping with an erratic heartbeat—it means facing the twin challenges of maintaining rhythm and avoiding stroke.

In this Innovation Update from The Pulse Report, Dr. Shen, a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology and the Director of Research and Education at Cardiovascular Medicine (CVM), explores a new approach that addresses both problems in a single procedure.

This episode takes you inside one of the most exciting advances in AFib care: combining pulsed field ablation (PFA) with WATCHMAN device implantation during the same session.

You’ll discover:

• What PFA is and how it works: An ablation technique that uses short electrical pulses—rather than heat or cold—to precisely target abnormal tissue while reducing the risk of damage to surrounding structures.
• What the WATCHMAN does: A small implant that seals off the heart’s left atrial appendage, the area where most AFib-related clots form, lowering stroke risk without requiring lifelong blood thinners.
• Why combining them matters: Patients receive rhythm control and stroke protection in one procedure, with fewer hospital visits, reduced anesthesia use, and a quicker return to daily life.
• Who might benefit most from this combined approach, and how it is already transforming care in the Quad Cities and beyond.
• What early evidence shows: Research has shown that PFA and WATCHMAN are safe and effective treatment options on their own; now, emerging data and new reimbursement support are paving the way for combined use when it makes sense.
• A real patient story that shows how innovation in medicine is not just about technology, but about restoring quality of life.

If you or a loved one are living with AFib, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and insights to guide conversations with your cardiologist.

Let's keep your heart — and your life — going strong and in rhythm.