The cardiovascular team at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC), alongside affiliated physicians from UTHealth Houston Heart and Vascular, were among the first in the country and first team in Texas to implement the latest generation of cardiac ablation technology designed to treat patients with challenging cases of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart rhythm disorder.
The new device is an advanced cardiac ablation catheter used to treat irregular heart rhythms. Its dual-energy feature combines pulsed field ablation (PFA) and radiofrequency (RF) energy in a single device, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs during AFib ablation procedures.
Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, Chief, Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, UTHealth Houston and Medical Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology at Memorial Hermann-TMC successfully performed the procedure. The new technology has only debuted at four facilities across the nation thus far.
“AFib affects millions of people in the United States over the age of 65, and that population is expected to significantly grow over the next two decades,” said Dr. Hariharan. “Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston, we are excited to have this new, effective dual-energy system to help our patients overcome their diagnosis and get them back to a normal heart rhythm, so they can do the things they love most.”
The Cardiac Electrophysiology Program at Memorial Hermann-TMC provides the most advanced, clinically proven therapies through its commitment to delivering innovative, evidence-based care. Just last year, they were the first in Texas to perform pulsed field ablation, a new therapy option for patients with atrial fibrillation. With this latest leading-edge development, the program offers access to the full spectrum of modern heart rhythm therapies.