Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute First in the U.S. to Use FDA-Approved Dual-Energy Catheter for Heart Rhythm Disorders
The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David's Medical Center has reached a significant milestone in the field of electrophysiology by becoming the first institution in the United States to utilize a groundbreaking dual-energy catheter, which has recently received FDA approval. This innovative catheter, specifically designed for mapping and ablation, addresses persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter—two common cardiac arrhythmias that afflict millions of individuals worldwide.
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, this all-in-one catheter features a unique spherical design that allows for simultaneous mapping and energy delivery to specific areas of the heart. The debut procedure was performed on November 7, 2024, by prominent electrophysiologists Dr. Andrea Natale and Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad, who have extensive experience in the field. Dr. Natale was also involved in the clinical trials that led to the catheter's FDA approval.
Dr. Natale emphasized that this catheter enhances workflow efficiency by allowing for real-time mapping and ablation with a single tool, thereby potentially improving patient safety and treatment outcomes. He remarked, "As innovations in cardiac arrhythmia treatment continue to advance, the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute is proud to pave the way for patients in Central Texas and beyond."
One of the most notable features of this new dual-energy system is its capability to customize treatment approaches during ablation procedures. Doctors can choose between delivering pulsed field energy or radiofrequency energy, depending on the specific needs of each patient. This versatility is particularly beneficial in managing abnormal rapid heart rhythms.
Pulsed field ablation is a non-thermal method that uses high-energy, short-duration electrical pulses to incapacitate the myocardial cells responsible for arrhythmias without excessive heat or cooling. Conversely, radiofrequency ablation employs thermal energy—and is sometimes coupled with cooling techniques—to achieve the same goal.
Earlier in 2024, TCAI also performed the first commercial cases in the country using FDA-approved pulsed field ablation catheters. This places TCAI at the forefront of advanced electrophysiological techniques, solidifying its reputation as a leading center for such complex procedures. With six state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to electrophysiology, the institute is staffed by an esteemed group of cardiac electrophysiologists who perform a high volume of intricate interventions.
As TCAI continues to innovate in the realm of cardiac care, it strives to enhance patient outcomes and set new standards in the management of heart rhythm disorders. The introduction of the dual-energy catheter represents a promising advancement in the treatment protocols available to cardiologists, empowering them to provide tailored therapies and improve overall quality of care for patients suffering from arrhythmias.
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, this all-in-one catheter features a unique spherical design that allows for simultaneous mapping and energy delivery to specific areas of the heart. The debut procedure was performed on November 7, 2024, by prominent electrophysiologists Dr. Andrea Natale and Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad, who have extensive experience in the field. Dr. Natale was also involved in the clinical trials that led to the catheter's FDA approval.
Dr. Natale emphasized that this catheter enhances workflow efficiency by allowing for real-time mapping and ablation with a single tool, thereby potentially improving patient safety and treatment outcomes. He remarked, "As innovations in cardiac arrhythmia treatment continue to advance, the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute is proud to pave the way for patients in Central Texas and beyond."
One of the most notable features of this new dual-energy system is its capability to customize treatment approaches during ablation procedures. Doctors can choose between delivering pulsed field energy or radiofrequency energy, depending on the specific needs of each patient. This versatility is particularly beneficial in managing abnormal rapid heart rhythms.
Pulsed field ablation is a non-thermal method that uses high-energy, short-duration electrical pulses to incapacitate the myocardial cells responsible for arrhythmias without excessive heat or cooling. Conversely, radiofrequency ablation employs thermal energy—and is sometimes coupled with cooling techniques—to achieve the same goal.
Earlier in 2024, TCAI also performed the first commercial cases in the country using FDA-approved pulsed field ablation catheters. This places TCAI at the forefront of advanced electrophysiological techniques, solidifying its reputation as a leading center for such complex procedures. With six state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to electrophysiology, the institute is staffed by an esteemed group of cardiac electrophysiologists who perform a high volume of intricate interventions.
As TCAI continues to innovate in the realm of cardiac care, it strives to enhance patient outcomes and set new standards in the management of heart rhythm disorders. The introduction of the dual-energy catheter represents a promising advancement in the treatment protocols available to cardiologists, empowering them to provide tailored therapies and improve overall quality of care for patients suffering from arrhythmias.
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