Aster RV Hospital has successfully performed Karnataka's first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedure using the Medtronic PulseSelect catheter, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common cardiac rhythm disorders worldwide. The procedure was led by Dr. Bharatraj Banavalikar, Consultant Electrophysiologist at Aster RV Hospital.
The breakthrough procedure was performed on an 80-year-old patient suffering from long-standing atrial fibrillation, recurrent episodes of heart failure, ischemic cardiomyopathy, moderate left ventricular dysfunction, and chronic kidney disease. Despite ongoing medical treatment, the patient continued to experience symptoms that affected his quality of life and required advanced intervention.
Atrial fibrillation is a fast, irregular heartbeat originating from the upper chambers of the heart. If left untreated, it can significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and repeated hospitalizations. Traditionally, catheter ablation procedures have relied on thermal energy, either by heating or freezing cardiac tissue to eliminate abnormal electrical signals responsible for arrhythmias.
Pulsed Field Ablation represents a new generation of treatment that uses precisely controlled electrical pulses to selectively target abnormal heart tissue without relying on heat or extreme cold. This tissue-selective approach helps minimize injury to surrounding structures while offering a safer and more efficient treatment option for patients with complex arrhythmias.
Dr. Bharatraj Banavalikar, Consultant Electrophysiologist at Aster RV Hospital, highlighted:“Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia seen globally and can lead to serious complications such as stroke and heart failure if not treated appropriately. Pulsed Field Ablation represents the future of catheter-based arrhythmia treatment. Unlike conventional ablation techniques that use heat or freezing, PFA uses controlled electrical pulses to treat abnormal heart tissue. This makes the procedure faster, safer, and more effective. The PulseSelect catheter further simplifies the procedure while maintaining excellent clinical outcomes. We are delighted to have successfully performed Karnataka's first PFA procedure using the PulseSelect catheter and offer patients access to this next-generation technology.“
The procedure was completed successfully without complications. The patient recovered well and was discharged in stable condition within a day, highlighting one of the key advantages of the technology—faster recovery and shorter hospital stay compared to conventional approaches.
Globally, Pulsed Field Ablation is increasingly being recognized as a transformative advancement in atrial fibrillation treatment due to its strong safety profile, procedural efficiency, and high effectiveness. The successful completion of this procedure reinforces Aster RV Hospital's commitment to bringing cutting-edge cardiac care and advanced electrophysiology treatments to patients across Karnataka and India.
This milestone also reflects the growing adoption of innovative cardiac technologies in the region, providing new hope to patients suffering from complex arrhythmias who may benefit from safer, more effective, and minimally invasive treatment options.