Las Vegas, Nev. — This week, Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center conducted its first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), an innovative and minimally-invasive treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
The procedure was performed by electrophysiologist Dr. Claudio Bonometti in Southern Hills Hospital’s catheterization lab, nearly two years after he performed the hospital’s first cryoablation procedure. While cryoablation uses extreme cold to freeze targeted tissue, PFA uses electrical pulses to selectively destroy heart cells causing the irregular heartbeat.
Because PFA uses electricity instead of extreme temperatures, such as cold used in cryoablation or heat used in radiofrequency ablation, it can help minimize the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. The PFA technology may also allow the procedure to be performed faster than traditional methods.
“Pulsed Field Ablation is an important advancement in how we treat AFib,” said Dr. Bonometti. “This technology allows us to target the areas of the heart responsible for the irregular rhythm while helping protect nearby tissue. For many patients, that can mean a more efficient procedure and a treatment option designed with safety and precision in mind.”
AFib is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. Symptoms may include a fast or chaotic heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain.
If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Southern Hills Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, providing the most advanced level of care for patients experiencing complex stroke symptoms or conditions. This designation complements the hospital’s focus on timely, coordinated care for patients at risk of stroke, including those living with AFib.
“This milestone reflects our continued commitment to bringing advanced, patient-centered heart care to the communities we serve,” said Jason Desai, chief operating officer of Southern Hills Hospital. “By expanding treatment options for patients with AFib, our care teams are helping patients access innovative care close to home.”