ASHEVILLE - An important milestone in arrhythmia management has been reached at Mission Hospital, as doctors recently completed the first procedure in the state using a new ablation strategy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This proven technology will allow Mission Heart to reduce complications and improve procedural safety for patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. 

“I am pleased to have performed the first ablation procedure using this new technology in North Carolina at Mission Hospital,” said Jason Lappe, Mission Hospital’s Chief of Electrophysiology. “The incidence of atrial fibrillation is on the rise, and such safe, effective, and efficient therapies allow physicians to reduce complications, treat more patients, and benefit the overall public health.”

Unlike a traditional ablation procedure, the FARAPULSE PFA System uses a different approach that avoids damage to surrounding structures and increases the safety of the procedure.

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the top two chambers of the heart, the atria, beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation). AF, the most common type of arrhythmia, can decrease the heart’s pumping efficiency, which can cause blood cells to pool and stick together, form clots in the heart, and lead to stroke. People with AF have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications than those with normal heart rhythms. Nearly seven million Americans live with this arrhythmia. 

“This procedure is one of the biggest advances in heart care in the last decade. It is safer and data shows it is more effective. What an honor for Mission Hospital to be the first in NC to bring it to patients. We’re proud to offer the latest technology and the expertise to patients living with atrial fibrillation” said Brad Kappalman, Vice President of Heart Services at Mission Hospital.

AF is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, affecting millions of people in the US alone. For more, visit MissionHealth.org/Heart.