Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is the first hospital in Palm Beach County to offer patients The HeartLight X3 System for cardiac ablations. This procedure offers some of the most advanced treatments for patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Mark Freher is the first surgeon to perform the procedure in our area using the system’s miniaturized camera and advanced laser technology.
“At Delray Medical Center, we are committed to innovation and offering patients early access to many of the latest cardiac treatment advancements, including devices like the HeartLight X3 System,” said Dr. Mark Freher, electrophysiologist on staff at Delray Medical Center. “We have taken the necessary steps to perform surgical procedures in a safe and secure environment, and our community can rest assured that we have the appropriate supplies and protocols in place.”
The HeartLight X3 Endoscopic Ablation System, developed by CardioFocus Inc., is designed for physicians to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures with accuracy, precision, and confidence. The PVI procedure creates areas of scar tissue around the pulmonary veins to block the electrical signals that cause arrhythmia. While older treatments rely on x-ray or mapping support for guidance, the X3 System’s innovative HeartLight catheter is equipped with a miniature video camera and “headlight” to deliver a direct, live-action view of the inside of the heart. The system also enables the physician to customize the amount of laser energy used during the procedure based upon the patient’s specific needs, and HeartLight’s unique balloon design adapts to the heart’s specific anatomy.
“I want to congratulate Dr. Freher and our cardiac team on becoming the first in Palm Beach County to perform this advanced procedure,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer of the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical Center. It is very rewarding to be able to continue to bring some of the latest medical innovations to our area, and we remain on the forefront of the latest cardiac treatment options.”
AFib is a serious condition that causes a quick, often chaotic heartbeat. Left untreated it can lead to weakness, breathlessness, fainting and a decreased quality of life. In addition, AFib patients face an increased risk of stroke, which is the fifth leading cause of death in the state of Florida. With proper treatment, patients affected by this debilitating condition can get safe symptom relief.