New technology introduced to aid in treating atrial fibrillation

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 9, 2022) – Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute is the first health care system in South Dakota to introduce a new technology that allows for greater precision and greater success in treating atrial fibrillation.

Octaray is an advanced high-density mapping catheter used for diagnosing complex arrhythmias in the heart. This technology provides improved clarity in high-density maps which enables optimal accuracy and efficiency for Monument Health’s electrophysiologists as they perform mapping procedures.

”We are proud to be able to offer this new technology to help those in our community,” said Saverio Barbera, M.D., FACC, FHRS, electrophysiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute.

One in four adults 40 and older will develop atrial fibrillation in their lifetime. If you’re having chest pain, shortness of breath and are dizzy even lying down, you should get to the emergency room or call 911. If you are comfortable at rest, but notice an irregular heartbeat, call your doctor for evaluation of your condition.

Along with being the first in South Dakota to implement Octaray, Monument Health is also among the first in the nation to begin using the technology.