Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has become the first healthcare system in western Kentucky to offer fully-integrated pulsed field ablation (PFA), a groundbreaking treatment for atrial fibrillation, the health system announced Monday.
The hospital successfully performed its first PFA procedure on September 25.
PFA is a minimally invasive technique that treats atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder that can cause palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath while increasing the risk of stroke. OH officials said that unlike traditional methods that rely on heat or extreme cold, PFA uses short, controlled electrical pulses to precisely target and disable problematic heart tissue without damaging nearby structures.
“This new technology represents a safer and more efficient option for treating atrial fibrillation than traditional radiofrequency or cryoablation technologies,” said Dr. Johnny Makhoul, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services at Owensboro Health. “By introducing pulsed field ablation, we can offer patients a leading-edge treatment that reduces risk, lessens pain and discomfort, shortens procedure times, and helps restore normal heart rhythm.”
Among the reported benefits of PFA are enhanced safety, faster procedure times, reduced need for fluoroscopy (which increases safety for patients and staff), and strong outcomes in reducing AFib symptoms and improving quality of life, according to a release from OH.
“Being the first in western Kentucky to perform this procedure underscores Owensboro Health’s commitment to investing in the latest technology and providing the best care possible for our community,” said Dr. Francis DuFrayne, Chief Medical Officer at Owensboro Health.
Hospital officials said the addition of PFA reflects their ongoing efforts to expand access to advanced cardiac care close to home.
