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World-Class Technology Revolutionizing Veterans' Heart Procedures

The cardiac electrophysiology team after their first procedure.
The cardiac electrophysiology team after their first procedure. From left to right: Kayla Wilcox, Dr. Ramil Goel, Dr. Mark Panna, Tiffany Pridgen, David Zimmerman, Veronica Cole, and Gerald Snyder.
By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS), now offers world-class pulsed field ablation procedures for Veterans, utilizing new FARAPULSE technology.

NF/SGVHS completed their first pulse field ablation procedure on January 2 at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center using the FARAPULSE Pulsed Field Ablation System. This procedure offers a treatment option for the most common type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AFib). Using this new technology minimizes the risk of potential complications, ensuring a safer experience for all patients.

“Pulse field ablation is a novel way to target areas of unwanted electrical activity in the heart. It uses a strong electrical field to selectively disrupt cardiac tissue as opposed to prior thermal methods using heat or extreme cold modalities. The major advantage is lower risk of potential damage to adjoining non-cardiac tissue and more comprehensive ablation of the target areas,” said Dr. Ramil Goel, NF/SGVHS Cardiac Electrophysiologist.

“Veterans who suffer from atrial fibrillation can benefit from this cutting-edge ablation technology. It allows a safer and quicker way to electrically modify the heart tissue and achieve normal rhythm with lower risk and shorter recovery time,” Goel explained.

NF/SGVHS is the first VA medical center in the state and one of the few across the enterprise who have implemented this new technology which was a team effort. Alongside Dr. Goel, Dr. Mark Panna, Director of Electrophysiology, was instrumental in advocating for pulse field ablation, ensuring that Veterans receive the most advanced technology available. Amber Dees, nursing supervisor, assisted with training staff in the new techniques associated with pulse field ablation. Dees also played a key role in facilitating a seamless rollout and deployment of this innovative technology.

Their collaborative effort has not only improved the quality of care for Veterans but has also set a precedent for future advancements in medical technology at our facility. Together, they have created a foundation of excellence that will continue to benefit Veterans for years to come.

For more information on the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/locations/malcom-randall-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/.