For atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients, it’s “a game-changer.” That’s how Patrich Welch, MD, describes the Medtronic PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation System, a non-thermal ablation technology that uses electrical pulses instead of heat or freezing.
“The procedure time is down to under an hour, and patients are up and walking out of the hospital in just a couple of hours. The procedure is much easier on them, and the recovery is faster,” explains Dr. Welch, a local electrophysiologist instrumental in bringing the treatment to Acadiana and performing the first in the region at Our Lady of Lourdes in late 2024.
Revolutionizing Patient Care with Advanced Technologies
Dr. Welch moved to Acadiana in the late 1990s and quickly became known for introducing groundbreaking technologies to improve patient outcomes. In fact, he performed the state’s first atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation procedure.
AFib ablation treats an irregular and often rapid heart rate known as atrial fibrillation. The procedure involves creating scars in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm.
Over the years, the procedure has evolved significantly, becoming safer and more effective. Early challenges with thermal ablation techniques motivated Dr. Welch to adopt advanced approaches like Micra, a tiny, leadless pacemaker that improves patient comfort and recovery time.
As an early adopter of new technologies, Dr. Welch stays updated on the latest advancements in electrophysiology.
“I’m constantly learning about new devices, techniques and tools that can make a difference in patient care,” he explains. He looks for innovations that not only improve patient outcomes but also increase accessibility to treatment for more people.
As a heart rhythm specialist, Dr. Welch remains at the forefront of some of the most state-of-the-art advancements in cardiology. His journey to becoming a leader in this field is one marked by curiosity, dedication and a relentless pursuit of the best outcomes for his patients.
A Lifelong Passion for Cardiology
Dr. Welch’s path to electrophysiology began during his internal medicine internship.
“It was my first exposure to truly being a doctor, and I was immediately captivated by the cardiac care environment,” he says. The complex, high-stakes world of heart attack patients and those with congestive heart failure sparked his interest in cardiology, leading him to pursue formal cardiology training.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the physiology of the heart,” Dr. Welch says. What particularly intrigued him was the study of EKGs, a test that measures the heart’s electrical activity, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
“I found myself drawn to the intricacies of rhythm problems. As a cardiologist, I quickly realized that electrophysiology — the science behind heart rhythm disorders — was where I wanted to focus,” he explains.
The Power of Collaboration
Dr. Welch is quick to credit his team for their essential role in the electrophysiology lab’s success. His core team includes two electrophysiology technicians and a nurse who work closely with him during procedures.
“I couldn’t do what I do without my incredible team. They’ve been with me for years, and their expertise and experience are crucial to the success of our procedures,” he explains. “Having a team that is familiar with the pace and specific needs of each procedure makes all the difference. We’re able to move quickly, which is essential when performing complex heart rhythm treatments.”
Changing Lives, One Heartbeat at a Time
The most rewarding part of Dr. Welch’s job is the impact he has on his patients.
“We have the ability to cure people, and that’s the most exciting thing about electrophysiology,” he says. “Many of my patients come to me with chronic, debilitating conditions, and after a successful procedure, I’m able to tell them they’re no longer dealing with a chronic problem.”
For patients who may be hesitant about undergoing advanced procedures, Dr. Welch offers simple advice: “Do your research. There’s a lot of information available online, and it’s important to understand what we can do for you. These procedures can truly change your life.”
Leading in Heart Care
For Dr. Welch, the commitment to excellence in patient care is what sets Our Lady of Lourdes apart.
“At Our Lady of Lourdes, we’re constantly striving to offer the best possible care to our patients, and that means staying on the cutting edge of medical technology,” he says. “I’m excited about the future of heart care in this community.”
