Pulsed Field Ablation

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a novel, non-thermal ablation method used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). 

Unlike traditional thermal ablation techniques such as radiofrequency or cryoablation that uses heat or freezing, PFA employs electroporation - a tissue-selective technique that uses brief electrical pulses to create "holes" in the myocardial cell membranes of the heart muscle to destroy abnormal heart tissue.

Symptoms of AF depend on how advanced it is and how quickly it has developed. Some patients may not experience symptoms, but when present, they include:

• Palpitations that may hinder daily activities

• Reduced effort tolerance

• Fainting or near-fainting spells

• Stroke

• Heart Failure

AF also leads to increased risk of requiring a pacemaker, and overall reduced quality of life. 

Prior to procedure, your doctor may advise you to stop certain medications such as anti-arrhythmic drugs or blood thinners. 

You may also be required to undergo the following tests to assess your heart:

• Blood tests

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Echocardiogram

• Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scan 

• Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

You will also receive instructions to fast for a certain period, usually overnight, before the procedure.

Pulsed field ablation for AF offers similar effectiveness as conventional techniques with reduced risk of pulmonary vein stenosis, phrenic nerve injury and atrio-oesophageal fistula. Other short- and long-term complications such as internal bleeding, stroke, and bruising over puncture sites, are rare and occur at similar rates across all ablation methods.