Athens Regional Medical Center recently became only the second hospital in the state of Georgia to offer a new technology that provides physicians a safer and more effective way to treat patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.

The TactiCath Quart Contact Force Ablation Catheter gives physicians a real-time, objective measure of the force the catheter applies to a patient’s heart wall during an ablation procedure.

Athens Regional Cardiology electrophysiologist, Dr. Kent Nilsson, F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S., is responsible for bringing this new technology to the Athens area. Dr. Nilsson performed the first TactiCath procedure at Athens Regional Medical Center on December 19, 2014.

“The number of patients experiencing atrial fibrillation in this state and region continues to grow. We feel it’s our responsibility to search for and implement technologies and procedures that make treating this disease safer and more effective for our patients,” said Dr. Nilsson. 

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. It can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. During an ablation, the doctor destroys tiny areas in the heart that are firing off abnormal electrical impulses and causing atrial fibrillation.

The TactiCath Quart ablation provides electrophysiologists the ability to monitor the amount of pressure a catheter tip exerts on the endocardium – the layer of tissue lining the chambers of the heart. Without contact force-sensing, physicians have to estimate by touch. If too little force is applied, effective lesions may not be created and atrial fibrillation may recur, requiring additional treatments. When too much force is applied, there is a risk of tissue injury which can lead to serious procedure-related complications.

“Athens Regional Medical Center is committed to providing safe, superior care for all of our patients. The addition of the TactiCath technology is another example of our investment in patient safety. We’re proud to be the second hospital in Georgia to offer this technology and we’re excited because it means better outcomes for our patients,” said interim CEO and President, Dr. Chuck Peck.