Scripps Advances Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Electrophysiologists help bring the latest heart rhythm therapies
Electrophysiologists help bring the latest heart rhythm therapies
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States. This irregular, often rapid heartbeat increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and death.
Fortunately, advances in electrophysiology — the cardiology subspecialty focused on the heart’s electrical system — are changing how AFib and other arrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. At Scripps, electrophysiologists offer state-of-the-art therapies, including some they helped bring to patients.
“Every day we see challenges in our patients that show us we need better tools,” says Douglas Gibson, MD, director of cardiac electrophysiology at Scripps Clinic Anderson Medical Pavilion in La Jolla. “We actively seek out and research new technologies that will help us treat patients more effectively.”
Advances in atrial fibrillation treatment
Historically, treatment options for AFib were limited to medications, which often were not very effective. Catheter ablation, introduced in the 1990s, marked an important advance. This minimally invasive procedure uses heat or extreme cold to destroy the abnormal heart cells that trigger AFib. While effective for many patients, earlier forms of ablation raised safety concerns and could affect nearby tissue.
Dr. Gibson and Nicholas Olson, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Scripps Clinic Anderson Medical Pavilion, played important roles in research leading to FDA approval of a newer option: pulsed field ablation. Instead of heat or cold, pulsed field ablation uses brief electrical pulses to target the heart cells causing the abnormal rhythm.
Early research has shown that pulsed field ablation may be safer, more precise and faster than older ablation methods. Recovery can also be easier.
“Pulsed field ablation has allowed us to deliver what we know to be the effective dose of energy in a safe manner,” says Dr. Gibson. “This is a revolutionary advance in the field of atrial fibrillation ablation.”
In 2024, Dr. Gibson became the first physician in San Diego County to use the Farapulse pulsed field ablation device in practice.
“Instead of using heat or cold, pulsed field ablation essentially emits an electric field,” says Dr. Olson. “It’s like a smart bomb that destroys those cells with minimal inflammation and without damaging surrounding structures.”
Beyond ablation: new heart rhythm treatments
Electrophysiology advances at Scripps extend beyond ablation. Physicians also use implantable leadless pacemakers, subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with heart failure and electrical delay. Wearable devices, including smartwatches and implantable monitors, help detect arrhythmias and track how well treatments are working.
Advancing cardiac electrophysiology through research
Dr. Olson and Dr. Gibson say this progress is possible because of Scripps’ strong culture of innovation. Scripps electrophysiologists have helped advance the field through the development and early adoption of new treatments for AFib, including catheter ablation techniques, leadless pacemakers and devices that can reduce stroke risk and eliminate the need for blood thinners in some patients.
Today, Scripps specialists continue to participate in research and clinical trials of promising new therapies.
“The culture that we’ve developed at Scripps is one of collaboration and camaraderie,” says Dr. Olson. “Our electrophysiology department is a leader in the region and nationally.”
Dr. Gibson adds, “We’re not just here to take care of patients today — we want to help shape the future of care.”
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.