UnityPoint Health® Marks Milestone After Treating 850 Patients With New AFib Treatment

UnityPoint Health® – Trinity is proud to celebrate its  850th successful pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedure, marking a significant step forward in the  treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the Quad Cities. 

The 850th procedure was performed by Helbert Acosta, MD, Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC, in  February 2026. UnityPoint Health – Trinity began offering PFA in April 2024, becoming the first  in the Quad Cities and among the nation’s early adopters of this innovative AFib treatment. 

“This is a meaningful milestone for our team and the patients we serve,” says Kathy Pulley,  director of cardiology services at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Heart Center. “Being able to offer  this advanced treatment locally means patients can receive high-quality AFib care without  traveling far from home.” 

PFA uses high-energy electrical pulses to ablate the heart tissue causing irregular heart  rhythms without using excess heat or cold, which has the potential to damage surrounding  tissue. 

“When your heart rhythm is off, it can impact everything from your energy level to your peace of  mind,” says Dr. Acosta. “Pulsed field ablation gives us another way to treat irregular heart  rhythms more precisely, with the goal of helping patients feel better, regain energy and get back  to doing the things they enjoy.” 

AFib occurs when the top two chambers of the heart beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm  which can decrease the heart’s pumping efficiency. Symptoms may include fatigue, heart  palpitations, trouble breathing and dizziness. With PFA, patients have a promising new option  that may alleviate symptoms and enhance their quality of life. 

Individuals with AFib should discuss pulsed field ablation with their cardiologist or call Trinity  Heart Center at (309) 779-5340. Find more information on heart care, visit unitypoint.org.