Blessing EP lab among first in nation to use new technology

QUINCY — A Blessing patient seeking care for atrial fibrillation became one of the first patients in the country to find the life-improving help they needed using new technology.

The procedure took place on Monday, Sept. 25, conducted by electrophysiologist Dr. John Hammock and the Blessing Electrophysiology team.

In a press release, Hammock said, “Blessing is one of a few electrophysiology programs in the Midwest selected for the early release of a brand-new ablation catheter.  This catheter cuts atrial fibrillation ablation times in half. This is the first new ablation catheter in nearly a decade, and Blessing was selected to be among the first in the country to use the new technology due to our outcomes and quality.”

New QDOT technology dramatically shortens procedure times and, with all new technology, increases patient safety.   

“This is also a reflection of the excellent and dedicated staff — including nurses and radiology techs — that we have working hard every day to make this program top notch.”

When the heart beats, the electrical signals that cause the heart to squeeze/contract must follow a specific pathway through the heart. Any disruption in the signaling pathway can trigger an irregular heartbeat, known as an arrhythmia. If not treated, arrhythmias can damage the heart, brain, or other organs and lead to life-threatening stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest.

Depending on the type of heart rhythm problem, cardiac ablation may be one of the first treatment options. Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart to block irregular electrical signals and restore a typical heartbeat.