Following regulatory approval earlier this year for the Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) platform, the first procedure in Europe using this new technology to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) was carried out at Blackrock Clinic last month.

This latest PFA platform uses electric voltage (pulse field ablation) instead of thermal energy to combat AF. Real-time visualisation of results via Carto 3D mapping and minimal fluoroscopy exposure promise to lead to greater efficiencies and safety outcomes for patients undergoing AF ablation. 

The safety and efficacy of the Varipulse platform was investigated in the inspIRE trial, which included 186 patients in Canada and Europe.

Prof David Keane, consultant cardiologist with a longstanding interest in PFA for the treatment of AF, said:  “The Varipulse PFA platform has a number of potential advantages over currently available PFA systems. Foremost is the integrated 3-D mapping facility to precisely track catheter orientation and placement of lesions. Randomised trial data indicate that the efficacy of PFA is not higher than that achieved by long-established thermal ablation systems however the efficiency and the safety of PFA may be superior to thermal energy. PFA systems are particularly suitable for de novo procedures, while thermal ablation systems still have a role for repeat procedures. Patients who are younger than 75 years of age are most suited to AF ablation while older patients may prefer to pursue medical management.”

One of the three cardiac catheterisation labs at Blackrock Clinic is solely dedicated to electrophysiology (EP). The EP cath lab uses hi-tech equipment to monitor the electrical systems of the heart as well as treat cardiac arrhythmias.