Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) by

Pulsed Field Ablation (Summary)

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:41:09 UTC

Pulsed Field Ablation is the newest innovation in treating atrial fibrillation in patients who did not respond to traditional antiarrhythmic medications. Prior to PFA, patients who did not find success with these medications often would undergo cardioversion or thermal ablation. The downfall of thermal ablation which uses heat or cold energy, is potential damage to the surrounding tissues as well as high risk for hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, atrioesophageal fistula, and pulmonary vein stenosis. (Verma et al., 2023) PFA uses a non-thermal catheter to provide small blasts of high electrical energy which essentially creates microscopic pores in the cardiac tissue. This causes cell death by scarring and interrupting the signals in the heart that cause the abnormal rhythm. (Mayo Clinic, 2024)

PFA - step by step video

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:45:42 UTC

PFA: Pros

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:55:34 UTC

1) PFA preserves surrounding tissues from damage such as pulmonary vein stenosis or atrioesophageal fistula.

2) Undergoing PFA doesn't require extensive use of anesthesia.

3) There is a low chance of needing repeat therapy

(Hartl et al., 2023)

PFA: Cons

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:55:42 UTC

1) PFA causes electroporation which is essentially using electricity to make pores or open pores in tissue. This process can't be reversed with PFA.

2) Researchers are still working to find the ideal dose of applications to the pulmonary vein.

3) This is still a fairly new innovation. Therefore, extended data is not available at this time for long term effects.

(Hartl et al., 2023)

PFA: Opinion/Rationale

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:56:27 UTC

When traditional medications of treating a fib are not successful, PFA is a safe and effective option for converting to sinus rhythm. The benefits outweigh the minimal risk involved. Compared to the traditional thermal ablation, I would choose PFA as to avoid potential adverse outcomes such as damage to other cardiac tissue.

PFA: Using Strengths

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:57:08 UTC

My top strengths:

1: Developer - Using this strength allows for cohesive team building.
2: Arranger - While working on a team where multiple viewpoints are present, it is important to have a point person who is able to organize and manage concerns, tasks, etc. in order to meet all objectives at hand.
3: Learner - We never truly know everything about any topic. There is always room for learning more and making improvements. With a learner strength, there is a drive and determination to learn more essentially improving.
4: Relator - As a relator, I believe in working together as a team.
5: Activator - When working on an important project, it is important to have an individual who can take charge and help guide the team.

My objective in building my team was to acknowledge my weaknesses and place individuals with expertise or strengths that I lacked to create a more comprehensive group.

I have initiated my team with the following individuals:

Andrew (Activator) - Although activator is one of my strengths, it is my last strength. I believe it is important to have someone with the "take charge" attitude to help guide and push the team through.

Angelia (Analytical) - I chose analytical to have the team member with the ability to look from all angles and question outcomes, etc.

Isaac (Ideation) - Similar to analytical, those who possess the strength of ideation are important when developing a new product and/or process. They have the ability to brainstorm new ideas when needed.

Matthew (Maximizer) - A maximizer will strive to make the most out of what is at hand. This is not someone who will just do enough to "skate by." When working on an important project and in particular one which quite literally is taking another's life in your hands, a maximizer is one for the team.

Sheila (Strategic) - I want a strategic personality on my side as they are the ones who hit a road block and view it as a speed bump. They will find another way around.

PFA: References

apoissoit — 2025-01-20 01:58:09 UTC

apoissoit — 2025-01-22 20:20:20 UTC

apoissoit — 2025-01-22 20:24:48 UTC