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    Published on September 26, 2025

    Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Becomes First in Western Kentucky to Offer Innovative Pulse Field Ablation Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation

    Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has reached a major milestone in cardiac care by successfully performing its first pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedure today, making it the first healthcare system in western Kentucky to offer this groundbreaking technology.

    group photo of Owensboro Health team members

    PFA is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that can cause palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and increase the risk of stroke. Unlike traditional ablation methods that use heat or extreme cold, PFA uses short, controlled electrical pulses to precisely target and disable problematic heart tissue while sparing surrounding structures.

    Johnny Makhoul
    Dr. Johnny Makhoul

    “This new technology represents a safer and more efficient option for treating atrial fibrillation then traditional radiofrequency or cryoablation technologies,” said Dr. Johnny Makhoul, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services at Owensboro Health. “By introducing pulsed field ablation, we can offer patients a leading-edge treatment that reduces risk, lessens pain and discomfort, shortens procedure times, and helps restore normal heart rhythm.”

    The benefits of pulsed field ablation include:

    • Enhanced safety with less risk of damage to surrounding organs.
    • A reduced need for fluoroscopy, enhancing safety for patients, physician and team members involved.
    • Improved efficiency with faster procedure times.
    • Strong outcomes in reducing AFib symptoms and improving quality of life.

    With this advancement, Owensboro Health continues to expand access to high-quality, innovative cardiac care close to home.

    Dr. Dufrayne
    Dr. Francis DuFrayne

    “Being the first in western Kentucky to perform this procedure underscores Owensboro Health’s commitment to investing in the latest technology and providing the best care possible for our community,” said Dr. Francis DuFrayne, Chief Medical Officer at Owensboro Health.

    About Owensboro Health

    Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; four outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.

    On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.