Ellen O'Brien of Huntingdon Valley, 80, is a vibrant, active woman who enjoys riding her exercise bike and playing soccer with her grandchildren.
When an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib) threatened to slow her down, Ellen's cardiologist introduced her to a groundbreaking solution — Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA).
A Chaotic Heartbeat Leads to Sleepless Nights
"My heart was racing. I could feel it beating through my back,” says Ellen, of the irregular, pounding heartbeat that was jolting her awake each night.
Exhausted and anxious, Ellen began to avoid her bike and other activities, afraid she would strain her heart. She realized that the medication initially prescribed to help regulate her mild, brief episodes of heart palpitations was no longer effective, and her symptoms had progressed. She called her cardiologist, David L. Smith, MD, who saw her the next day for a physical exam and tests. The results revealed that AFib was contributing to her symptoms.
Understanding AFib
AFib occurs when abnormal signals in the heart’s electrical system cause a chaotic rhythm in the upper chambers (atria), affecting blood flow. The condition gets worse over time, and untreated AFib can lead to stroke, congestive heart failure, and other serious complications.
Early Intervention Leads to Better Outcomes
“Early rhythm control therapy for AFib, such as catheter ablation, has been shown to lower the risk of these adverse events,” says Robert Sangrigoli, MD, an electrophysiologist (heart rhythm expert) who was among the first in the region to treat patients with PFA.
PFA Revolutionizes AFib Ablation
Pulsed field ablation is a form of catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure in which the electrophysiologist applies energy to the heart, creating scar tissue to isolate the faulty signals that cause AFib. The signals are no longer able to affect the heart because scar tissue does not conduct electricity. Most patients can go home the same day.
PFA is revolutionary because it uses nonthermal pulsed electric field energy, which only affects heart tissue, according to Dr. Sangrigoli.
Traditional catheter ablation techniques used to treat AFib, though effective, use thermal energy (heat or cold), and carry a small risk of unwanted injury to surrounding tissues, including the esophagus, aorta, lungs, and phrenic nerve (important for breathing), notes Dr. Sangrigoli.
A regional center for AFib treatment, Doylestown Health’s Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Center is one of the highest volume ablation centers in the Philadelphia region and a center of excellence for cryoablation and pulsed field ablation.
Advancing Care with Medical Research
Electrophysiologists (EP) at Doylestown Hospital participated in the clinical trials leading to the first PFA delivery systems to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. So, while PFA is now available commercially, when Ellen was considering the procedure, it was accessible only through clinical trials.
“I thought that by taking part in a research study, I could be helpful to younger people who may have AFib in the future,” she says.
Ellen met with Susan Leonard, RN, MSN, a research coordinator, and part of the Medical Research team at Doylestown Health. Our research coordinators lay the groundwork for clinical trials at Doylestown Health. This includes working with the Institutional Review Board (IRB), a committee that reviews and approves all research studies at Doylestown Hospital.
Clinical trials help us to obtain knowledge that can be used to develop and provide new treatment options with the ultimate goal of improving the health and well-being of patients.
“The dedication of our physicians and staff as well as the support from Medical Research and the entire Doylestown Health team allows us to provide not only the highest quality care but gives us opportunities to participate in leading edge research so that our community of patients can feel confident they are receiving the best care possible,” says Dr. Sangrigoli.
After reviewing Ellen’s medical history, Susan and Dr. Sangrigoli determined that Ellen was qualified to take part in the trial. The next step was a careful review of all aspects of trial participation and consent forms.
“We discussed the medical team’s responsibilities as well as Ellen’s role as the patient because a clinical trial involves more frequent visits and closer monitoring,” says Susan.
High-Tech Care with a Personal Touch
“I chose Doylestown Hospital because I was aware of the outstanding reputation of the staff and cardiac unit,” says Ellen of the hospital’s Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care, a regional provider of quality, high-level cardiovascular care delivered with a personalized approach.
On the day of her procedure, as the team wheeled Ellen into the EP operating room, she was amazed by the technology. “I felt as if I was entering a space capsule," she recalls.
At the same time, she had never had a general anesthesia operation. "I was visibly nervous, and a young assistant took my hand and said, 'I'm not going to let go until you feel OK,” says Ellen. “It was very comforting. He held my hand the whole time.”
Dr. Sangrigoli reached Ellen’s heart by threading a thin, flexible tube called an ablation catheter through a vein in her groin and up to the heart. Using 3-D mapping technology, and low-dose X-ray guidance, he precisely targeted the energy pulses to block the faulty signals that were causing Ellen’s AFib.
No More AFib
Ellen has had no symptoms since her PFA procedure last year.
"Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I'm playing soccer with my grandkids, riding my bike, and I have energy. Everyone was so kind, and I received excellent care,” she says. “I went to the right place."
Get to Know the Symptoms of AFib
"Atrial Fibrillation can be challenging to recognize,” says Dr. Sangrigoli. “The symptoms can vary, ranging from subtle or occasional to a constant, racing sensation in the heart.” If you experience any symptoms of AFib, make sure to see your primary care provider or cardiologist for testing. Early detection and treatment can improve your health outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Symptoms of AFib may include:
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Chest pain or pressure (You may be having a heart attack. Call 9-1-1 at once)
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
Learn More
Visit Doylestown Health’s AFib Center to learn more about Pulsed Field Ablation, groundbreaking clinical trials, and our Medical Research office.
Make an Appointment
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, the flagship of Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with 247 beds and a medical staff of more than 435 physicians who provide the highest quality care in over 50 specialties.
Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Now in its 100th year of service in central Bucks County, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its residency programs. Doylestown Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to achieve 16 consecutive ‘A’ grades for patient safety from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Learn more at doylestownhealth.org.
About Doylestown Health's Heart & Vascular Services
Expert cardiologists and cardiac surgeons assist patients and physicians with managing risk factors for heart disease, offer advanced treatment options and provide outstanding emergency cardiac care. Doylestown Hospital’s accredited Chest Pain Center is fully prepared to treat cardiac emergencies around the clock, focusing on rapid diagnosis and effective treatment. The multidisciplinary team at the Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care and patient safety.
