New Technology Offers Safer, Faster Treatment for Heart Rhythm Disorders at Torrance Memorial
Pulse field ablation gives physicians a more precise, efficient way to treat AFib and other heart rhythm disorders.
Torrance Memorial Medical Center offers pulse field ablation technology for patients with atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders. Unlike traditional ablation methods that use heat or cold, pulse field ablation uses short electrical pulses to target abnormal heart tissue while reducing impact on nearby structures. The technology may shorten procedure times, reduce time under anesthesia and help physicians tailor treatment to each patient’s heart rhythm disorder and anatomy.
For millions of people living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other heart rhythm disorders, symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness can significantly impact daily life.
Now, patients at Torrance Memorial Medical Center have access to a new treatment technology that helps physicians treat these conditions more safely and efficiently than ever before.
"Pulse field ablation is one of the most exciting advances we've seen in heart rhythm care in many years," says Ostrom. "It gives us a safer way to treat many patients while also making procedures faster and more efficient."
What are heart rhythm disorders?
Heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, occur when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become disrupted. The most common arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, or AFib, which affects millions of Americans and becomes more common with age.
When medications and lifestyle changes aren't enough, doctors may recommend an ablation procedure. During the procedure, a physician guides a catheter through a blood vessel and into the heart to target the small areas responsible for causing abnormal electrical signals.
Traditionally, ablation has been performed using heat or freezing temperatures. While highly effective, those approaches can occasionally affect nearby tissues.
Dr. Ostrom (center right) and the surgical team after performing their first procedure with FARAPOINT.
How does pulse field ablation work?
Pulse field ablation works differently. Instead of using heat or cold, it uses short electrical pulses that are designed to target heart tissue while minimizing effects on surrounding structures.
"The safety profile is what excites me most," says Ostrom. "There are areas of the heart that we can now treat with greater confidence because this technology is much more selective."
The new technology also allows procedures to be completed more quickly. According to Dr. Ostrom, some treatments can be performed in nearly half the time compared with traditional methods, reducing the amount of time patients spend under anesthesia.
For patients, the experience remains familiar. Most are able to go home the same day or the following morning and return to normal activities within several days.
Torrance Memorial was among the early hospitals in the region to adopt pulse field ablation technology, reflecting the organization's commitment to bringing innovative treatment options to the South Bay.
"We're fortunate to have the support and resources to offer new technologies as they become available," says Dr. Ostrom. "Our goal is always to improve outcomes and provide the best possible care for our patients."
While pulse field ablation is currently used primarily for patients with AFib, Dr. Ostrom believes the technology will continue to evolve and expand to treat additional heart rhythm disorders in the years ahead.
"It's an exciting time in electrophysiology," he says. "The technology continues to get safer, faster and more effective. For patients, that's incredibly good news."
The adoption of FARAPOINT is part of Torrance Memorial's broader investment in advanced electrophysiology technologies. In addition to the FARAPOINT catheter, the electrophysiology team utilizes Boston Scientific's FARAWAVE pulse field ablation system and the Medtronic Affera system, a newer platform that combines pulse field and radiofrequency ablation technologies. By offering multiple treatment approaches, physicians can tailor procedures to each patient's specific heart rhythm disorder and anatomy.
Heart Rhythm Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart may beat too fast, too slow or irregularly because of a problem with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.
Some arrhythmias cause noticeable symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting. Others may have few symptoms but can still increase the risk of serious health problems, including stroke or heart failure.
One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation (AFib), which affects millions of Americans.
How do I know if I have AFib?
Atrial fibrillation can affect people very differently. Some people experience obvious symptoms, while others may not realize they have it at all.
Common symptoms of AFib include:
However, some people have no symptoms and learn they have AFib during a routine physical exam, heart screening or after testing for another medical condition. Because untreated AFib can increase the risk of stroke, it's important to discuss any concerns about your heart rhythm with your physician.
The risk of developing an arrhythmia increases with age. Other common risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and excessive alcohol use.
Some arrhythmias can occur in otherwise healthy people due to abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. In some cases, there may also be a genetic component.
What is an electrophysiologist?
An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart's electrical system.
Electrophysiologists focus on identifying the source of abnormal heart rhythms and determining the most effective treatment options, which may include medications, implanted devices such as pacemakers or catheter-based procedures like ablation.
What is an ablation procedure?
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms.
During the procedure, a physician guides thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a blood vessel—typically in the leg—and into the heart. Using advanced mapping technology, the physician identifies the small areas of heart tissue responsible for the abnormal electrical signals.
The targeted tissue is then treated to prevent those signals from disrupting the heart's normal rhythm.
What is pulse field ablation?
Pulse field ablation (PFA) is a newer type of ablation technology used to treat heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation.
Unlike traditional ablation methods that use heat or freezing temperatures, pulse field ablation uses short electrical pulses to target heart cells responsible for the abnormal rhythm.
Because the technology is designed to act primarily on heart tissue, it may reduce the risk of affecting nearby structures and can allow procedures to be completed more quickly.
What are the benefits of pulse field ablation?
Potential benefits include:
What is recovery like after an ablation?
Most patients are able to go home the same day or the morning after their procedure. Recovery is generally quick, with many patients returning to normal daily activities within several days.
Your physician will provide specific instructions based on your condition and the type of procedure performed.
When should I talk to a doctor about an arrhythmia?
You should speak with your doctor if you experience symptoms such as:
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve quality of life.
A triple diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Matthew Ostrom, MD, is board-certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and internal medicine. Dr. Ostrom, who has more than 15 years of experience, serves the Los Angeles communities of Torrance and Redondo Beach, California, at COR Healthcare Medical Associates.
Born and raised in Seattle, Dr. Ostrom received his Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Washington in 1999. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Dr. Ostrom was actively involved in cardiovascular research at the university and at the local biotechnology company ZymoGenetics, Inc.
Shortly after graduating, Dr. Ostrom began his medical studies at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine internship and residency through the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) system. In addition, Dr. Ostrom pursued cardiology and electrophysiology fellowships at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in West Carson, California, and at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society.
Today, Dr. Ostrom is a practicing electrophysiologist, specializing in catheter and device-based therapies in the treatment of complex arrhythmias, syncope, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure.
His research interests include the ablation of complex arrhythmias and device-based treatments for sudden cardiac death and congestive heart failure. Dr. Ostrom has authored or co-authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed cardiology and electrophysiology journals.
