CHI Memorial 1st In Chattanooga Region To Offer Innovative AFib Treatment

  • Monday, March 17, 2025
Dr. Kelly Richardson, electrophysiology cardiologist at The Chattanooga Heart Institute (third from right) performed the first pulsed field ablation (PFA) at CHI Memorial earlier this year.  She is joined by members of the procedural team.
Dr. Kelly Richardson, electrophysiology cardiologist at The Chattanooga Heart Institute (third from right) performed the first pulsed field ablation (PFA) at CHI Memorial earlier this year. She is joined by members of the procedural team.
CHI Memorial announces it is the first hospital in the Chattanooga region to offer pulsed field ablation (PFA), an innovative cardiac ablation therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults according to the American Heart Association.

AFib occurs when the atria (the heart's top two chambers) quiver rapidly and irregularly. Compared to those with normal heart rhythms, individuals with AFib have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

Officials said, "Traditional ablation therapies use heat or cold energy to block abnormal electrical signals causing AFib.
The new cutting-edge PFA technology delivers highly focused electrical pulses to selectively block irregular heart rhythms while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue."

“We are excited to bring the newest technology to treat A-Fib. Atrial fibrillation is becoming more common. Safe, effective, and efficient therapy like PFA allows us to treat patients and get their heart back in normal rhythm while reducing complications and improving outcomes,” said Kelly Richardson, MD, electrophysiology cardiologist with The Chattanooga Heart Institute. Dr. Richardson performed the first PFA procedure at CHI Memorial using the FDA-approved FARAPULSE PFA system.

Officials said, "During the PFA procedure, a catheter is inserted into a large vein in the thigh and threaded to the heart. A small apparatus at the catheter tip delivers a high-voltage pulse to inactivate heart cells transmitting the abnormal electrical signals causing AFib. This process is highly selective and efficient, sparing normal tissues. Most patients go home the same day. PFA is used to treat AFib at the discretion of the physician.
Studies have demonstrated that PFA therapy is as safe and effective as conventional thermal ablation, with statistically shorter ablation times and faster patient recovery."

By 2030, more than 12 million Americans are predicted to have atrial fibrillation.
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