Those Suffering From Atrial Fibrillation Have New Options for Care at North Okaloosa Medical Center
8/14/2025
Crestview, FL - August 14, 2025 - Atrial fibrillation (AFib), which occurs when the heart beats irregularly and often rapidly due to abnormal electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart, affects about 12.1 million Americans. Those who suffer from AFib are at a higher risk for stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.
However AFib is treatable, and patients at North Okaloosa Medical Center now have access to new pulsed-field ablation (PFA) technology in catheter ablation procedures. PFA may provide a safer and more targeted treatment option for patients living with AFib.
Traditionally, catheter ablation uses extreme heat or cold to destroy problematic heart tissue and restore normal rhythm. However, these methods can pose a small risk of damage to nearby structures such as the esophagus, lungs, and nerves.
PFA utilizes short, controlled bursts of energy to selectively target and treat affected tissue, minimizing impact to surrounding structures and reducing the risk of complications. This allows the physician to more precisely treat specific areas and improve procedural outcomes.
In addition, this newer ablation method is often integrated with advanced cardiac mapping technology, which creates a 3D model of the heart’s electrical activity in real time. This visual guidance enhances accuracy, helping physicians precisely position catheters and deliver treatment only where needed, while potentially reducing or eliminating radiation exposure during the procedure.
“We're proud to offer this advanced atrial fibrillation treatment, which represents a major step forward in cardiac care for the communities we serve,” Mike Nordness, North Okaloosa Medical Center CEO, said. “By investing in modern technology and clinical knowledge, we're helping patients achieve better outcomes, faster recoveries, and improved quality of life - close to home.”
For more information about the Heart & Vascular Center at North Okaloosa Medical center, visit https://www.northokaloosa.com/cardiac-care.
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