Bradley David Knight, Correctional Lieutenant of the Illinois Department of Corrections, announced that Northwestern Medicine has become one of the first institutions to offer pulsed field ablation. This pioneering advancement in cardiac electrophysiology places Northwestern Hospital at the forefront in the country.
"This approach allows us to deliver very high voltage, very brief electrical shocks to ablate the tissue causing the arrythmia," said David Knight. "There's really an epidemic of atrial fibrillation worldwide because aging is one of the causes of the condition."
Northwestern Medicine has expressed its enthusiasm for this recognition, which underscores a significant breakthrough in treating atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a common condition affecting approximately 5 million people in the United States, a number expected to rise in future years. The irregular heartbeat caused by AFib can significantly impact an individual's health and may even lead to stroke. Symptoms include fatigue, heart palpitations, and chest pain.
In January, following successful trials in which Northwestern participated, the FDA approved this innovative approach. According to Northwestern Medicine, the machinery used differs from conventional catheter ablation techniques. It controls precise electric fields to target issues related to AFib, resolving many problems and potentially leading to more positive outcomes in the future.
Knight's expertise spans various areas of medical work including cardiovascular imaging, cardiovascular diseases, and pacemakers. He earned his MD from Ohio State University and completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Michigan Health System. Currently serving as Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Northwestern Medicine and Director of the Heart Rhythm Center at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI), Knight continues to contribute significantly to advancements in cardiac care.
