Cardiologist performs first, potentially less damaging treatment for Mobile AFib patients

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — A doctor at a local cardiology practice was the first in the City of Mobile to perform a potentially less damaging treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation, according to healthcare officials.

Dr. Chance Witt with Cardiology Associates performed the procedure which utilized the Medtronic Pulse Select Pulsed Field Ablation System.

According to a research article from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , traditional ablation procedures to target irregular heart rhythms in patients with AFib are performed in a way that can cause damage to surrounding tissues.

Officials with the cardiology practice explained that the new treatment which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, could reduce the risk of unwanted injury.

“The use of pulsed electric fields through an ablation catheter offers a novel, non-thermal approach by targeting heart tissue to interrupt irregular pathways in the heart and avoid unwanted injury to surrounding tissues.”

Officials with the cardiology practice said it is “a breakthrough technology.”

For more information about the practice and what services they offer, visit the Cardiology Associates website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.