Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center First in U.S. to Participate in Trial for Innovative Mapping and Pulsed Field Ablation System

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute Press Release

AUSTIN, Texas—The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center recently became the first facility in the nation to participate in a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a next-generation mapping and pulsed field ablation system to treat patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., executive medical director of TCAI and the global principal investigator for the trial, performed the first procedure.

Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia, affects millions of people globally. It occurs when the top two chambers of the heart beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia with symptoms that last for seven days or fewer, while persistent atrial fibrillation is a sustained arrhythmia that lasts for more than a week. Early treatment of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation can reduce the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure—and may prevent the disease from becoming permanent.

“Pulsed field ablation represents one of the most significant advancements in electrophysiology in decades, and this clinical trial will help physicians around the world better understand the safety and effectiveness of this technology,” Dr. Natale said. “The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute remains at the forefront of arrhythmia care, helping to advance technologies that will shape the future of electrophysiology.”

The novel catheter system relies on electric fields to ablate targeted heart tissue without using the excess heat or cold used in traditional ablation, helping to reduce the risk of damage to surrounding structures. The system incorporates advanced 3D cardiac mapping technology that provides a detailed view of the heart’s electrical activity, enabling physicians to visualize catheter position and tissue contact before and after the energy is delivered. During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided into the interior of the heart and uses extreme heat or cold to destroy tissue associated with abnormal heart rhythms, creating a greater chance that surrounding structures will be damaged.

TCAI is a state-of-the-art Electrophysiology Center that includes six labs equipped with advanced technology where a group of renowned cardiac electrophysiologists perform a high volume of the most complex electrophysiology procedures.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center is one of the world’s preeminent centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting abnormal heart rhythms such as Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib) and Ventricular Tachycardias (VT). The center is led by Executive Medical Director Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., a world-renowned expert in the field. Dr. Natale is at the forefront of advancing treatment options for A Fib and VT, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures. 

St. David’s Medical Center

St. David’s Medical Center, part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a 371-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. The hospital provides a full spectrum of women’s services, including a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Level IV Maternal Facility, the highest levels of specialized care available. Neonatal specialists and multidisciplinary teams provide advanced, comprehensive treatment for babies born as early as 22 weeks, including a robust neonatal surgical program and specialized pediatric neurology services. 

The hospital also offers outpatient breast imaging services operated through on-site provider Solis Mammography, and it features a 24-hour emergency department and  comprehensive stroke center that specializes in treating the most complex stroke cases. Additionally, the hospital specializes in treating high-acuity surgical patients, including complex spine, total joint, advanced surgical oncology, bariatric and general surgery, and it is home to the prestigious Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. Other services include three full-service emergency centers in the communities of Manor, East Riverside and Mueller. St. David’s Medical Center is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Magnet^® hospital, the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing practice and quality patient care.