SMH Deploys Break-Through Device to Treat Afib

March 4, 2024 – Sarasota

Sarasota Memorial physicians are among the first in the nation performing pulsed field ablation (PFA), a break-through therapy to treat people with atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythms.

Sarasota electrophysiologists Antonio Moretta, MD, and Smriti Banthia, MD, performed the first four procedures at SMH-Sarasota on Thursday using Medtronic’s PulseSelect system, the first PFA device approved for commercial use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal (periodic) or persistent atrial fibrillation (Afib).

Traditionally, catheter ablation is a technique in which heart tissue is treated with extreme heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryotherapy) to destroy the tissue triggering Afib. The break-through PFA delivers fast, controlled electrical pulses through a cardiac ablation catheter to achieve the same therapeutic effect on the heart tissue. Studies suggest it could become a safer alternative to traditional catheter ablation because PFA does not use heat or freezing temperatures, which may reduce the risk of scarring to adjacent, healthy tissue.

“We are excited to bring this break-through treatment to our community,” said Dr. Moretta. “Afib is a common and undertreated heart rhythm disorders. PFA gives us a safe, effective tool to treat their arrhythmias, and a  possibe alternative we can use beyond the reach of thermal methods.” 

AF is a progressive condition that affects more than 59 million people worldwide. Without early intervention, the condition can worsen over time, increasing the risk for stroke, heart failure and death. 

The four patients treated at SMH today were the first group of patients in Florida treated with Medtronic’s new technology since it received FDA approval in December 2023. All four patients are doing well and expected to be discharged within 24 hours. They should be able to return to normal activities within a couple of weeks.