Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute performs first case using Abbott's TactiFlex™ Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled™ for the treatment of AFib

Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute is now providing leading edge treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib) with the TactiFlex™ Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled™ from Abbott. Dr. Jordan Chaisson, a cardiac electro-physiologist, performed the first TactiFlex catheter procedure across the Gulf Coast Region at Thomas Hospital. This technology is the world's first ablation catheter designed with a unique flexible electrode tip and contact force sensing to treat patients with atrial fibrillation.

AFib is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. During AFib, the atria beat in a rapid manner interrupting the flow of the heart’s electrical system causing ineffective blood flow. Left untreated, AFib can progressively get worse over time or lead to other serious complications like heart disease or stroke.

A catheter ablation is a safe and effective treatment method for patients with AFib. During an ablation, the heart’s incorrect electrical signals are restored correcting the signals that were causing the abnormal heart rhythm. A catheter ablation, typically performed by a electrophysiologist, can provide a patient with improved quality of life, symptom relief and elimination of long-term risk of stroke and heart attack.

Abbott’s TactiFlex catheter, adds accuracy and precision to ablation procedures. It's unique flexible tip with laser-cut pattern flexes when in contact with the heart wall helping to direct fluid to the treated area and allowing for more accurate positioning of the catheter. This provides up to two-times higher stability in a beating heart, which makes for more consistent therapy delivery.

If you have been diagnosed with or are experiencing the symptoms of AFib, ask your doctor about a referral to an electrophysiologist, a heart arrhythmia specialist. Learn more about Infirmary Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute and to find a cardiovascular specialist near you by visiting infirmaryhealth.org.