NASHVILLE — Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown is pleased to share Drs. Dan Kaiser, Drew Pickett and Jonathan Gandhi, cardiac electrophysiologist, at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown have performed the first cardiac ablation procedure in Tennessee using the groundbreaking POLARx FIT™ cryoballoon catheter. Recently approved for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), this cutting-edge device signals a significant advancement in addressing the rising incidence of AF.

Atrial fibrillation, characterized by an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, is a prevalent health concern with increasing prevalence. The POLARx™ Cryoablation System, specifically designed for treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, offers a unique solution to challenges associated with traditional cryoablation platforms.

The POLARx FIT Cryoablation Balloon Catheter stands out with its key feature of accommodating two balloon sizes – 28 and 31mm – within a single catheter. This not only enhances efficiency, enabling physicians to access a broader range of pulmonary veins and improve contact with surrounding tissue, but also contributes to more precise treatment by targeting the specific areas of the heart where disruptive signals initiating AF are located.

“We are thrilled to have performed the first cardiac ablation procedure in Tennessee utilizing the POLARx™ FIT cryoballoon catheter”, said Dr. Drew Pickett. “With the increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation, having access to safe and effective therapies allows our physicians to treat more patients, reduce complications, and ultimately contribute to the improvement of public health. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering personalized treatments based on individual heart anatomies.”