Valerie Barlow, PharmD, MBA Senior Vice President & Administrator, WakeMed North Hospital | WakeMed
Valerie Barlow, PharmD, MBA Senior Vice President & Administrator, WakeMed North Hospital | WakeMed
WakeMed Heart & Vascular has become the first medical facility in North Carolina to employ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) technology in treating Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). This development marks a significant step in electrophysiology, offering an advanced method for catheter ablation procedures. AFib is recognized as the most prevalent form of cardiac arrhythmia, impacting one in four adults over 40 years old. Early intervention is crucial to mitigate risks associated with stroke and heart failure.
The VARIPULSE Platform, used at WakeMed, integrates PFA therapy with the CARTO 3 System, a leading 3D electroanatomical cardiac mapping system. This combination aids clinicians by providing detailed visualizations of the heart during procedures, thereby enhancing treatment accuracy and effectiveness.
Dr. Ashish Patel led the initial procedure using this innovative technology on March 18, 2025, at WakeMed Heart Center's Electrophysiology Lab. "To be among the first in the country, and the first in the state, to use the VARIPULSE system is an incredible testament to WakeMed’s position at the forefront of electrophysiology innovation," stated Dr. Patel.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on heat or cold for tissue ablation, PFA employs short energy bursts to target heart tissue while minimizing potential damage to nearby areas such as the esophagus and pulmonary vein. This approach aims to enhance safety and improve long-term patient outcomes by reducing complications.
WakeMed has been instrumental in pioneering patient care advancements through its Complex Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology program. The institution was selected as one of few sites nationwide for clinical trials involving this cutting-edge PFA treatment.
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