Owensboro Health first in western Kentucky to offer new heart procedure

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Owensboro Health Regional Hospital says it has reached a major milestone in cardiac care by successfully performing its first pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedure, making it the first healthcare system in western Kentucky to offer this groundbreaking technology.

According to officials, PFA is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that can cause palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath and increase the risk of stroke.

Unlike traditional ablation methods that use heat or extreme cold, officials said PFA uses short, controlled electrical pulses to precisely target and disable problematic heart tissue while sparing surrounding structures.

“This new technology represents a safer and more efficient option for treating atrial fibrillation than traditional radiofrequency or cryoablation technologies,” said Dr. Johnny Makhoul, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services at Owensboro Health. “By introducing pulsed field ablation, we can offer patients a leading-edge treatment that reduces risk, lessens pain and discomfort, shortens procedure times and helps restore normal heart rhythm.”

Medical officials say the benefits of pulsed field ablation include:

• Enhanced safety with less risk of damage to surrounding organs.
• A reduced need for fluoroscopy, enhancing safety for patients, physician and team members involved.
• Improved efficiency with faster procedure times.
• Strong outcomes in reducing AFib symptoms and improving quality of life.

“Being the first in western Kentucky to perform this procedure underscores Owensboro Health’s commitment to investing in the latest technology and providing the best care possible for our community,” said Dr. Francis DuFrayne, Chief Medical Officer at Owensboro Health.