AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4, 2024 — Electrophysiologists at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center were the first in the U.S. to utilize a new, FDA-approved, all-in-one catheter for treating persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. This combined mapping and dual-energy ablation catheter addresses heart arrhythmias affecting millions globally. Its spherical design allows simultaneous energy delivery and heart mapping.

The inaugural procedure was conducted by Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., and Amin Al-Ahmad, M.D., on Nov. 7, 2024. Dr. Natale also contributed to the FDA approval trial.

“This innovative catheter streamlines the mapping, ablation, and validation process, improving workflow and ultimately enhancing safety and effectiveness,” stated Dr. Natale. “TCAI is proud to lead advancements in heart arrhythmia treatment for patients in Central Texas and beyond.”

This system offers adaptable treatment based on individual patient needs during ablation, using pulsed field or radiofrequency energy. Mapping capabilities ensure correction of rapid, irregular heartbeats.

Pulsed field ablation, a non-thermal method, uses short, high-energy electrical pulses to target arrhythmia-causing cells without extreme temperature changes. Radiofrequency ablation employs thermal energy (heat and cold) for the same purpose.

Earlier this year, TCAI performed the nation’s first procedures using both commercially approved pulsed field ablation catheters.

TCAI is a cutting-edge Electrophysiology Center with six technologically advanced labs, where leading cardiac electrophysiologists perform high-volume, complex procedures.