WakeMed is First in North Carolina to Introduce Cutting-edge Atrial Fibrillation Procedure
March 19, 2025New Pulsed Field Ablation technology from Johnson & Johnson MedTech provides safe, accurate treatment for patients with AFib
WakeMed is setting the standard for electrophysiology innovation, pioneering the most advanced treatments and delivering the best outcomes for our patients.
WakeMed Heart & Vascular is proud to be among the first in the nation—and the first in North Carolina—to use the latest Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) technology in a catheter ablation procedure to treat Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). AFib is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting one in four adults over the age of 40. Early treatment is critical to reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure, and increased cardiovascular mortality.
The VARIPULSE™ Platform is the first PFA technology designed to enable the treatment with a single device that combines PFA therapy and advanced mapping with the CARTO™ 3 System, the world’s leading 3D electroanatomical cardiac mapping system. Mapping is critical for clinicians to visualize the heart as they perform cardiac ablation procedures, driving effective and accurate results for patients.
Dr. Ashish Patel, a cardiac electrophysiologist with WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Complex Arrhythmia and medical director of electrophysiology at WakeMed, performed the first AFib procedure using the new PFA technology on March 18, 2025, in the Electrophysiology Lab at the WakeMed Heart Center. PFA can offer safe and consistent therapy for AFib patients. In contrast with other ablation methods that use heat or cold,
PFA uses short bursts of energy to affect heart tissue, potentially minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue like the esophagus, pulmonary vein, and phrenic nerve. PFA therapy enhances safety and efficacy for patients by reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes.
WakeMed Heart & Vascular’s Complex Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology program has long been a leader in advancing patient care. WakeMed was one of the few sites nationwide to be provided this groundbreaking PFA treatment during the seminal clinical trial.
“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,” said Dr. Patel. “This allows us to expand our growing experience with PFA technology while improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cardiac care.”
The fully-integrated VARIPULSE™ Platform by Johnson & Johnson was recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with drug refractory symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Strategically developed for full integration with CARTO™, the VARIPULSE™ Platform enables the accuracy and safety of ablation procedures through precise energy delivery and real-time visualization of catheter positioning. Additionally, the platform is supported by a recent clinical trial which demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the platform, with minimal-to-zero fluoroscopy – reducing harmful radiation exposure to healthcare professionals and patients in the electrophysiology lab.
Symptoms of AFib can include heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. Studies have shown that catheter ablation is more effective than drug therapy at preventing AFib recurrence or relapse and providing a significantly greater improvement in quality of life.
WakeMed Heart & Vascular has long supported our arrhythmia patients with advanced procedures and through a dedicated Atrial Fibrillation Center to address continued care needs. To learn more about WakeMed Heart & Vascular, please visit https://www.wakemed.org/hearts.