Key Takeaways
- Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) is leading the Inland Empire in advanced heart rhythm care with its updated pulsed field ablation (PFA) program using the Farapulse system.
- The Farapulse system is a non-thermal approach to treating atrial fibrillation (AFib) that is safer, faster, and more efficient for patients.
- The latest update to the PFA program integrates magnetic tracking within a cardiac mapping system, allowing physicians to map and ablate using a single catheter.
- The new technology has reduced procedure times, improved safety, and expanded options for complex arrhythmias.
- LLUH is the region’s leader in treatment of complex heart disorders, offering patients access to cutting-edge electrophysiology care close to home.
Introduction to Pulsed Field Ablation
Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) continues to lead the Inland Empire in advanced heart rhythm care with an important update to its pulsed field ablation (PFA) program using the Farapulse system. This new approach is designed to make atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment safer, faster, and more efficient for patients. AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting millions of Americans and significantly increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and reduced quality of life. For decades, catheter ablation relied on radiofrequency energy, a thermal technique that creates controlled burns in heart tissue to disrupt abnormal electrical signals.
The Limitations of Traditional Radiofrequency Ablation
Traditional radiofrequency ablation has been effective, but it relies on heat, which can spread beyond the target area and affect nearby structures. According to Ravi Mandapati, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at Loma Linda University Health, "Although rare, thermal energy can spread beyond the target area and affect nearby structures. Pulsed field ablation represents a meaningful shift because it’s non-thermal and selectively targets heart cells while sparing surrounding tissue." This limitation of traditional radiofrequency ablation has led to the development of new technologies, such as pulsed field ablation, which offers a safer and more efficient approach to treating AFib.
The Latest Update to the PFA Program
The latest Farapulse update builds on the original safety profile of PFA by integrating magnetic tracking within a cardiac mapping system, allowing physicians to map and ablate using a single catheter. This new process reduces the number of device exchanges during a procedure, resulting in safer navigation, shorter procedure times, and a more streamlined experience for patients. Unlike traditional point-by-point ablation, Farapulse uses a "single-shot" approach to isolate the pulmonary veins or the area where AFib commonly originates, delivering precise electrical pulses in milliseconds.
The Benefits of the New Technology
The update has had a noticeable impact on daily clinical practice, with procedures being significantly shorter, which can reduce time under anesthesia and increase the number of patients who can be treated. According to Mandapati, "By removing the risks associated with thermal energy and shortening overall procedure times, we’re improving patient safety on multiple levels. That’s one of the most important advancements we’re seeing." The new technology has also expanded options for complex arrhythmias, with LLUH electrophysiologists using pulsed field ablation in compassionate-use cases for complex atrial flutters and ventricular tachycardias.
Expanding Options for Complex Arrhythmias
Beyond atrial fibrillation, pulsed field ablation has been used to treat complex arrhythmias, particularly for patients who previously failed multiple radiofrequency ablations. These patients often have limited options, and pulsed field ablation has helped improve symptoms and quality of life when traditional approaches were no longer effective. According to Mandapati, "These are patients who often have limited options. In select cases, pulsed field ablation has helped improve symptoms and quality of life when traditional approaches were no longer effective."
Leading the Inland Empire in Innovation
LLUH is the region’s leader in treatment of complex heart disorders, offering patients in San Bernardino County and the broader Inland Empire access to cutting-edge electrophysiology care close to home. As this technology continues to evolve, LLUH expects to see new catheter designs that allow for the treatment of an even wider range of arrhythmias. According to Mandapati, "The goal is faster, safer procedures with better outcomes, and pulsed field ablation is moving us decisively in that direction."
Conclusion and Next Steps
Patients experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation or other heart rhythm disorders can learn more about advanced electrophysiology services at Loma Linda University International Heart Institute. To request an appointment or referral, visit lluh.org/heart-vascular. With its updated PFA program, LLUH is committed to providing the latest advancements in heart rhythm care to its patients, and its leadership in the Inland Empire is expected to continue as new technologies emerge. As the field of electrophysiology continues to evolve, LLUH is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of innovation, providing patients with the best possible outcomes and improving the quality of life for those affected by heart rhythm disorders.
