Dr. Frank Mazzola performs advanced procedure at HMC
HARLINGEN, May, 2026 – Harlingen Medical Center is proud to announce its investment in Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), a newer technology used to treat certain heart rhythm problems, including atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. With this investment, Harlingen Medical Center becomes the first hospital in Cameron County to bring this advanced heart rhythm treatment to patients in the area.
AFib is a common heart rhythm condition where the heart beats irregularly. If left untreated, it can increase a person’s risk for stroke, heart failure, and other serious health problems. For some patients, doctors may recommend a procedure called an ablation to help correct the abnormal heart rhythm.
In simple terms, an ablation is a procedure that treats the small areas of the heart that are causing the irregular heartbeat. Traditional ablation treatments often use heat or freezing to treat those areas. Pulsed Field Ablation works differently. It uses quick electrical pulses to target the problem areas of the heart while helping protect nearby parts of the body.
This is important because the heart is located close to other sensitive areas, such as the esophagus, nerves, and blood vessels. PFA is designed to reduce the risk of damage to those nearby areas while still treating the heart tissue causing the rhythm problem.
Harlingen Medical Center is proud to work alongside Dr. Frank Mazzola, an award-winning electrophysiology physician with South Heart Clinic. Dr. Mazzola continues to bring advanced treatment options to his patients and strives to provide the best possible care for those living with heart rhythm conditions.
“Harlingen Medical Center continues to invest in technology that helps bring safer, more advanced care to our patients,” said Todd Mann, CEO of Harlingen Medical Center. “Being the first hospital in Cameron County to offer Pulsed Field Ablation shows our commitment to bringing innovative heart care close to home.”
For many patients, PFA may also help make the procedure more efficient and may allow appropriate patients to go home sooner after treatment.
“This technology is an exciting step forward for patients with AFib and other heart rhythm problems,” said Dr. Frank Mazzola, Electrophysiologist with South Heart Clinic. “It gives us another way to treat abnormal heart rhythms while helping protect the areas around the heart.”
By investing in Pulsed Field Ablation, Harlingen Medical Center continues to strengthen heart care in Cameron County and provide patients with access to advanced treatment options close to home.
About Harlingen Medical Center
Harlingen Medical Center is an award-winning hospital serving Cameron County and the surrounding Rio Grande Valley community. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care through advanced services, experienced physicians, and a continued focus on patient safety and outcomes.