ALBUQUERQUE – April 15, 2024 – Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center (HHNM) today announced the completion of New Mexico’s first FARAPULSE ™ Pulsed Field Ablation, a new alternative to standard-of-care thermal ablation, for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib). A non-thermal approach for the treatment of intermittent AFib, it is proven to be an effective treatment option for patients while minimizing risks associated with thermal ablation.
The procedure performed by Sean Mazer, M.D., FHRS, FACC, electrophysiologist with the New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group, uses in shorter ablation times and reduces damage to surrounding structures.
“During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart, which uses extreme temperatures of hot or cold to destroy the targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms,” said Dr. Mazer. “The FARAPULSE™ system, however, relies on non-thermal electric fields, allowing surgeons to be more precise during the procedure. This unique new therapy has proven more effective while minimizing risks for patients.”
AFib occurs when the top two chambers of the heart, the atria, beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation). AFib, the most common type of arrhythmia, can decrease the heart’s pumping efficiency, which can cause blood cells to pool and stick together, forming clots in the heart, and lead to stroke. People with AFib have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications than those with normal heart rhythms.
“We are proud to have performed the state’s first cardiac ablation procedure at Heart Hospital using the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System,” said Brian Miller, chief executive officer of HHNM. “Our surgeons and staff worked hard to implement this new technology, and such safe, effective and efficient therapies allow providers to reduce complications and improve community wellbeing.”
To learn more about HHNM and its commitment to providing quality and compassionate care, please visit lovelace.com. To make an appointment with a New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group cardiac provider, please call 505.841.1000 or schedule an appointment at your convenience by visiting https://lovelacemedicalgroup.com/appointment.
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Contact:
Whitney Alcantar, Lovelace Health System
Phone: 505-727-5503
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center (HHNM) is New Mexico’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to cardiovascular care, including the state’s only facility performing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implants and was recently re-credentialed by DNV through 2026 as a Ventricular Assist Device Facility. The 55-bed facility, which features a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room where surgeons can perform advanced surgical services for cardiovascular patients, has become synonymous with high quality, technologically advanced cardiac care. HHNM was named a fourth consecutive Top Teaching Hospital from 2020 - 2023 by Leapfrog Hospital Safety for its quality of care, including practices for safer surgery and capacity to prevent medication errors and has three times been named to The Best Hospital in America List for 2021 - 2023 (small teaching hospital category) by Money and the Leapfrog Group for its quality, safe care, a reputation for excellent patient experiences and an ethical approach to treatment. To learn more about the state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, visit hearthospitalnm.com.