Northwestern Doctors Pioneering New AFib Treatment for Firefighters

Doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital have become the first in Illinois to offer a groundbreaking treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart condition that disproportionately affects firefighters. This innovative approach, called pulsed field ablation (PFA), utilizes electricity to treat AFib, providing new hope for individuals at risk due to their occupation.

Jeffrey Taylor, a former firefighter in Chicago, shared his personal journey with AFib. When he joined the fire department, protective gear was minimal, and exposure to smoke was commonplace. He recalled, “When I came on the job, there was no mask, you just went in there. You weren’t a fireman unless you could take smoke.” After retiring, Taylor began experiencing unsettling health issues. An electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed he was suffering from AFib, a condition where the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly, leading to various complications.

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association links AFib to firefighting, indicating that increased exposure to fires elevates the risk of developing the condition. Dr. Bradley Knight, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Northwestern, explained that studies have shown a correlation between air pollution and AFib incidence, highlighting the dangers that firefighters face on the job.

Initially, Taylor underwent a traditional ablation procedure designed to create small scars in the heart tissue to restore normal rhythm. Although he experienced relief following the procedure, his symptoms returned five years later. Learning about the new PFA method, he decided to pursue this advanced treatment.

Dr. Knight performed the PFA procedure on Taylor, which employs a specialized tool to deliver targeted electrical shocks to the heart tissue. Post-procedure scans confirmed its effectiveness, and Taylor reported an immediate improvement in his condition. “I felt better right away. The PFA procedure has brought back my energy and changed my life,” he said, encouraging fellow firefighters to seek medical evaluation if they experience symptoms of AFib.

Since the introduction of PFA, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has successfully performed over 900 procedures within the past 18 months. The hospital now utilizes four different types of PFA tools, tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.

The emergence of this new treatment option represents a significant advancement in the management of AFib, particularly for those in high-risk professions like firefighting. With continued efforts to study and address the health impacts of occupational hazards, doctors aim to improve the quality of life for many individuals affected by this heart condition.