A team of interventional cardiologists with Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care in Camden is the first in the region, and one of very few in the country, to use the Farapulse PFA System by Boston Scientific for treatment of atrial fibrillation, an irregular or rapid heart rhythm.
Farapulse uses ultra-rapid electrical pulses, called pulsed field ablation, to treat AFib versus traditional radiofrequency or cryothermal ablation. This technology was FDA-approved in January of this year.
Drs. George Mark and John Costello were part of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Andrea Russo, director of electrophysiology and arrhythmia services at Cooper and member provider of Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, to perform the inaugural cases at the Camden health facility.
The Farapulse system has five splines with four electrodes, each providing energy delivery to the treatment area, resulting in shorter procedural time and less risk for the patient. The system allows for more accurate targeting of heart tissue with less vulnerability for surrounding tissues, minimizing risks.
“Not only are we proud to be offering Farapulse PFA System at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, but we are also excited that Cooper is the first hospital in the South Jersey and the Philadelphia area to make this revolutionary treatment option available for patients with AFib,” Russo said. “Farapulse PFA System has the capability to help patients with AFib and improve quality of life. Patients have been asking for a solution, and I am excited to offer this safer, more efficient modality to them.”
According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation affects between 2.7 and 6.1 million Americans, often leading to heart-related complications as well as increasing the risk for stroke fivefold. For patients with AFib who are unable to take blood thinners long-term, the efficiency of PFA significantly improves efficiency and safety for patients.
