Individuals living with heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) now have access to a cutting-edge treatment option at Bayhealth. Pulsed-field ablation provides an effective and minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatment approaches for A-Fib.
Speak to a Bayhealth expert about pulsed-field ablation.
What is Pulsed-Field Ablation?
A-Fib causes the heart to beat irregularly, greatly increasing the risk of stroke in individuals who have it. The pulsed-field ablation (PFA) procedure delivers several high-voltage electrical pulses (electroporation) to your heart, targeting tissue that may be causing your arrhythmia. Not only is PFA highly effective in treating A-Fib, the procedure provides an alternative to other cardiac ablation methods, such as cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation. This procedure is performed faster than other ablation methods, with a lower risk of complications.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A thin tube (catheter) specially designed for the PFA procedure is inserted into one of your blood vessels and directed to your heart using advanced imaging technology. Our experts then navigate the catheter to the upper-left chamber (atrium) of your heart and locate the pulmonary veins, which can be the source of A-Fib. Once the catheter is in position, it delivers quick, electrical pulses to the veins, creating microscopic pores that alter your heart’s rhythm. Our board-certified heart and vascular experts perform the PFA procedure in accordance with the strictest guidelines and the highest safety standards.
What Happens After the Procedure?
An innovation in the treatment of A-Fib, the PFA procedure typically results in a shorter recovery time compared to similar methods. Most patients go home the same day — some stay overnight for observation and go home within 24 hours. While recovery times vary depending on several factors, most patients return to normal activities within two to three weeks.
Learn about other heart and vascular procedures at Bayhealth.