WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) made history on Tuesday, August 21st, by successfully performing its first-ever heart ablation procedure in the Heart Catheterization Lab (CathLab). Heart ablation is a procedure used to treat a common heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. In this condition, the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat irregularly and very quickly. While arterial fibrillation isn’t usually life-threatening, it can cause serious issues, like the heart not pumping blood as well as it should or even forming clots that can lead to a stroke.
This special procedure was led by cardiologist-electrophysiologist, Dr. Fernando di Tomasso, from Argentina and supported by CMC Cardiologist Dr. Olivier Witte (Pacemaker specialist) and Dr. Jose Torres, CMC interventional cardiologist. The team was also supported by skilled Cathlab lab technicians. This procedure was realized after 3 years of planning and preparation.
During the procedure, the doctors used a system called “FARAPULSE” by Boston Scientific, which helps correct the heart’s rhythm by isolating the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. This helps the heart return to a normal rhythm.
CMC is now the only hospital in the region offering this advanced procedure, which means patients no longer need to travel to Colombia for this treatment. This is a big step forward for healthcare in Curaçao and the Caribbean.
By continuing to perform these surgeries, CMC is making it easier for people with atrial fibrillation to get the care they need close to home.