New atrial fibrillation treatment available at West Valley

The West Valley Medical Center cardiac services team has successfully utilized a groundbreaking technology to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), marking a major milestone in the field of electrophysiology.

"‌The innovative procedure represents a promising leap forward in the treatment of irregular heart rhythms. This reflects our commitment to adopting solutions to enhance patient care and outcomes," said Dr. Richard Augustus, West Valley Medical Center Chief Medical Officer.

‌The system received FDA approval in January 2024 and is a major breakthrough in cardiac ablation. Traditional ablation procedures involve guiding a catheter to the heart's interior, where extreme temperatures—either hot or cold—are used to destroy targeted areas responsible for abnormal heart rhythms. While effective, these methods can sometimes damage surrounding cardiac structures, posing additional risks.‌

The new system, in contrast, employs tissue-selective, non-thermal electric fields to achieve ablation.‌

"This new technology significantly reduces the risk of collateral damage to surrounding heart tissues, offering a safer and more precise alternative to traditional methods," said Dr. Karl Undesser, West Valley Medical Center Cardiologist. “We are excited about the future possibilities this technology holds for our patients and the field of electrophysiology.”

‌West Valley remains at the forefront of innovation in healthcare, continually seeking and integrating advanced technologies to provide the highest quality of care. Learn more about our care.