Jacksonville, Florida – March 5, 2025 – HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital has become the first hospital in the Jacksonville area to adopt cutting-edge technology to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), a progressive disease that affects nearly 60 million people worldwide. AFib occurs when the heart's upper chambers beat out of rhythm, preventing blood from being pumped efficiently to the rest of the body. It is the most common atrial arrhythmia and is associated with severe complications, including heart failure, stroke, and increased risk of death.
The hospital is now offering an all-in-one high-density (HD) mapping and dual-energy ablation system. This advanced system combines pulsed field (PF) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation capabilities to treat persistent AFib and cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients treated with the Sphere-9 catheter experienced significant improvements in both mental and physical quality of life.
“This technology allows physicians to map, ablate, and validate with a single device, significantly enhancing the precision and safety of ablation procedures for our patients,” said Dr. Firas El-Sabbagh, Electrophysiologist at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. “This technology will transform how we treat patients suffering from AFib, enabling faster and more effective care tailored to each individual.”
HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital recently performed its first procedures using the dual-energy ablation system. The innovative technology enables physicians to customize treatment during ablation procedures, using versatile mapping and energy options to correct fast, abnormal heart rhythms.
“With the rising prevalence of AFib, our ability to offer this groundbreaking technology represents a major milestone in patient care,” said Chad Patrick, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. “Being the first in the Jacksonville area to introduce this technology underscores our commitment to bringing the most advanced medical solutions to our community.”
As one of the leading healthcare providers in Florida, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital continues to expand its capabilities to address complex cardiovascular conditions, providing life-changing solutions to patients with AFib.
For more information about cardiovascular services at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, visit www.HCAFloridaHealthcare.com or call 904.639.8500.
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About HCA Florida Healthcare in Jacksonville
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 500 affiliated sites of care. It is a collaborative network connecting approximately 11,000 physicians, 49 hospitals, over 50 urgent care centers and more than 350 physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. In Jacksonville, HCA Florida Healthcare Memorial Hospital and HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital are part of this network of personalized care. Both are full service, acute care, Level II trauma hospitals fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and both are ranked as one of the best hospitals in the country for heart, lung and surgical care. For more information about services, facilities and physicians, please visit www.hcafloridahealthcare.com.