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Kitchener, ON, February 17, 2026 — Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is proud to announce the launch of its cardiac radiation therapy program for ventricular arrhythmias. This milestone positions WRHN as one of only a handful of centres in Canada—joining an elite group in cities like Ottawa, London, and Toronto—to offer this highly specialized, non-invasive treatment for patients with life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
For patients suffering from ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, the heart can beat so fast that it becomes dangerously out of control. When traditional medicines, surgery, or catheter ablation fail, options were previously exhausted. This new therapy offers a “gentle reset” for the heart, using precision radiation to target the specific tissue causing the malfunction without a single incision.
A Local Solution for Complex Cases
Previously, patients in the region had to travel as far as Ottawa or Newmarket to receive this level of care. Since its inception, WRHN has already successfully treated three patients and expects to provide this life-saving intervention to approximately 10 patients annually.
Innovation Through Collaboration
The program is the result of an intensive four-month training and preparation period, fueled by a multidisciplinary partnership between: Dr. Gabriel Acosta (Cardiac Arrhythmia Unit, WRHN); Dr. Joda Kuk (Radiation Oncology Unit, WRHN Cancer Center); and Dr. Benjamin Lok (Oversight from Princess Margaret Hospital).
By combining advanced electrophysiology with precision radiation oncology, the team can deliver targeted treatment to “arrhythmogenic” cardiac tissue from outside the body.
“This program reflects our commitment to ensuring patients can access highly specialized, life-saving care close to home,” said Al Qahwash, Program Director, Cardiac Care and Critical Care at WRHN. “For patients with complex and refractory arrhythmias, this therapy is not only necessary—it is transformative. We are reducing the burden of travel and advancing the future of cardiac care.”
The Power of Community Support
This breakthrough was made possible through the generosity of the community and the forward-thinking vision of the WRHN Foundation. Donor dollars are essential to providing the high-precision equipment required for these procedures.
“Using radiation equipment to treat life-threatening heart rhythm conditions is an excellent example of the innovation that can happen when physicians and clinicians have access to the right tools,” says Doug Earle, CEO of WRHN Foundation. “Over the next three years, WRHN Foundation will look to fundraise for replacement LINACs, improving access to treatment for more cancer patients and unlocking the potential for more of these cutting-edge, transformative cardiac therapies.”
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About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.
Media Contact:
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead
Waterloo Regional Health Network
[email protected]
519-584-5548
