Deep Dive: 3 Key Technologies for Modern AF Treatment

     Have you ever felt it? A sudden heart palpitation like a drum roll, or feeling lightheaded as if you might faint even while sitting still. This might not just be stress, but a warning sign of "Atrial Fibrillation" or Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Learn about the condition and dive deep into heart ablation technologies that help treat a "fluttering heart" and restore a "normal rhythm."

Understand the disease and explore heart ablation technologies that restore your "fluttering heart" back to a "steady beat."

Atrial Fibrillation (AF): An Electrical Short Circuit in the Atria

     Normally, our heart has a "power plant" that sends signals for rhythmic contractions. In AF patients, stray electrical signals move chaotically, causing the upper chambers (atria) to "quiver" instead of beating normally, leading to inefficient blood circulation.

Unexpected Dangers

• Stroke and Paralysis: When the atria fail to contract effectively, blood can pool and form clots. If a clot travels to block blood vessels in the brain, it results in a Stroke. Without timely treatment, this can lead to paralysis. AF patients are 5 times more likely to suffer a stroke than the general population.

• Heart Failure: Prolonged rapid heartbeats can cause the heart muscle to become weak and exhausted.

Heart Ablation: "One Choice, One Solution"

     Initially, doctors may prescribe medication to control heart rhythm and prevent blood clots. However, lifelong medication may not be the ultimate answer, and some patients do not respond well to drugs. Catheter Ablation is an effective way to resolve the issue. Doctors insert a catheter into the heart to destroy the tissue causing abnormal electrical signals, allowing the heart to return to its normal rhythm. Currently, there are 3 notable ablation technologies:

Ablation Techniques

1. Radiofrequency Ablation (RF)

     RF is the traditional standard method. Doctors use a catheter to deliver "Radiofrequency Heat" to cauterize abnormal points one by one to block electrical signals. The advantage is the ability to target any spot even in complex heart structures, allowing for customized treatment. However, it is time-consuming and may affect nearby organs if energy is not perfectly controlled.

2. Cryoballoon Ablation

     This method was developed to reduce treatment time using a "Balloon filled with coolant." The balloon is inserted and inflated against the heart wall, releasing extreme cold (-40 to -50 degrees Celsius) to freeze heart tissue around the pulmonary veins, which are the primary source of AF. This method covers a large area at once, making it ideal for early-stage patients. However, since the balloon has a fixed shape, it may not be suitable for patients with highly irregular heart structures.

3. Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA)

     PFA uses short bursts of high-voltage electrical fields (microseconds) to create nano-sized pores in heart cells (Electroporation), causing them to dissipate naturally. The waves selectively target heart muscle cells without damaging nerves, the esophagus, or surrounding blood vessels, significantly shortening treatment time.

Recommendation

     If you or your loved ones experience abnormal heart palpitations, do not ignore them. Consult a cardiologist promptly for an Electrocardiogram (ECG) and to plan the most appropriate treatment for a better quality of life and a healthy heart!

This article is for preliminary educational purposes only. Please consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.