Pulsed-Field Ablation, Innovative Technology For Handling Heart Iramic Disorders

Illustration of atrium fibrillation (Freepik)

JAKARTA - An arithmetic expert from Heartology, dr. Sunu Budhi Raharjo, explained that pulsed-field subscription (PFA) is a sophisticated technology that uses short electric waves to deal with atrium fibrillation (FA), the most common type of heart rhythm disturbance in Indonesia.

In a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, dr. Sunu said, in addition toteger heart disease, arrhythmia is also one of the main causes of heart disease. It is estimated that there are about three million FA sufferers in Indonesia, with the number continuing to increase.

"Atrium fibrillation is a condition where the heart attack (atrium) pulses very fast and irregular. Normally, the heart beats about 60-100 times per minute while we rest. But in the FA, the heart beat can exceed 400 times per minute, increasing the risk of blood clots and heart failure," he explained.

Dr. Sunu added that blood clots that occur due to the FA can cause a stroke. Patients with the FA have a risk of stroke 4-5 times higher than those who do not experience this condition. In addition, irregular heart rate can increase the risk of heart failure and death.

FA handling usually involves treatment, risk factor control, and ablation catheter procedures. In patients who do not respond to drug therapy, ablation catheter is an option to prevent a decrease in heart function, reduce stroke risk, and extend patient life expectancy.

Catater ablation is a minimal invasive non-cooperatory procedure using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel in the thigh towards the heart to identify and destroy the source of the arrhythmia.

According to dr. Sunu, ablation is generally carried out using two methods: thermal and non-thermal. Thermal translation can use radiofrequency (hot) energy or cryogenic (cold) energy to create lesions on the network.

"Meanwhile, non-thermal ablations such as pulsed-field subscription (PFA) are now widely used globally. This technology works through electroporation, namely short electric wave shipments to unlock cell membrane pores, so that the target network can be selectively destroyed without damaging the surrounding network," he explained, as quoted by ANTARA.

Because of its selective nature, PFA offers faster, more effective, and safe procedures for patients.

Heartology Cardiovascular Hospital became the first hospital in Indonesia to adopt PFA technology to deal with the FA. This procedure was carried out on December 28, 2024, for a 65-year-old patient from West Sumatra who had long experienced the FA.

"The patient previously complained of symptoms such as palpitation heart, uncomfortable chest, and easily tired. After undergoing treatment in his area of origin without results, he was referred to Heartology for further solutions," said dr. Sunu.

He added that PFA technology not only increases the effectiveness of treatment, but also provides better comfort and safety for patients. "With this technology, we are committed to providing a better treatment experience for each patient," he concluded.