PR88064

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

A physician with the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David's

Medical Center (https://tcainstitute.com/ ) is among the first in the world to

participate in a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new

cardiac-specific catheter used during pulsed field ablation (PFA), a new

approach to treating patients with atrial fibrillation (A Fib). Andrea Natale,

M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., cardiac electrophysiologist and executive

medical director of TCAI, recently participated in the first-in-human trials of

this catheter in Europe.

PFA uses a controlled electric field instead of thermal energy to ablate or

burn cardiac tissue during simple and complex ablation procedures through a

process known as irreversible electroporation (IRE). This technique may prevent

collateral damage to surrounding tissue during ablation.

"The process of irreversible electroporation is an exciting new approach in our

field, as it may reduce the risk of complications such as pulmonary stenosis

(narrowing of an artery) or esophageal fistulas (abnormal connections between

the esophagus and heart). While rare, esophageal fistulas can be life

threatening," Dr. Natale said. "This treatment may also reduce or eliminate

chest pain that often occurs following surgery, as well as result in a shorter

recovery."

Physicians will test the catheter on approximately 40 patients in Europe, with

in-human trials expected in the U.S. this summer.

Media Contact:

Stacy Slayden

Elizabeth Christian Public Relations

SSlayden@EChristianPR.com

+1-254-592-2767 cell

SOURCE: Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center