AIG Hospitals Completes Telangana’s First Pulse Field Ablation for Heart Patients
AIG Hospitals has successfully performed Telangana's first Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. This advanced, non-thermal technology offers a precise solution for patients, helping to reduce the risk of long-term cardiac complications and improve overall quality of life.
Highlights
- •AIG Hospitals successfully performed the first Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) in Telangana for an AF patient.
- •The procedure utilized the Medtronic PulseSelect system, a non-thermal technology targeting abnormal heart tissue.
- •Dr. Narasimhan C. emphasized that PFA offers a more precise alternative to traditional thermal ablation techniques.
- •Experts urge early lifestyle management to combat the rising burden of atrial fibrillation in India.
In a significant medical milestone for Telangana, AIG Hospitals has successfully completed the region's inaugural Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) procedure. This next-generation treatment was administered to a 70-year-old patient suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalent heart rhythm disorder that significantly elevates the risk of stroke. The integration of this advanced technology represents a major step forward in cardiovascular care for the state.
The pioneering medical intervention was spearheaded by Dr. Narasimhan C., who serves as the director and head of Cardiac Electrophysiology at AIG Hospitals. Utilizing the PulseSelect PFA system, developed by Medtronic, the medical team successfully performed pulmonary vein isolation, a critical component in effectively managing atrial fibrillation. This achievement marks the first time this specific technology has been deployed in Hyderabad and across Telangana.
Advanced Technology for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Atrial fibrillation remains a concerning health issue, often manifesting through symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, breathlessness, and a decreased ability to tolerate physical exercise. Medical professionals emphasize that the burden of this condition is steadily rising throughout India, driven by an aging population and an increased prevalence of chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Dr. Narasimhan C. highlights that while initial management typically involves medication and risk-factor control, long-term pharmaceutical success rates are often limited to just 30 to 40 percent. Furthermore, prolonged reliance on medication may occasionally lead to adverse effects. Unlike traditional thermal methods, which rely on extreme heat or cold to address abnormal tissue, Pulse Field Ablation utilizes a non-thermal approach. By delivering controlled electrical pulses, it precisely targets erratic heart tissue while ensuring that surrounding structures remain protected from damage.
Medical experts note that atrial fibrillation is rarely an isolated concern and is frequently linked to broader health issues, including sleep disorders, obesity, and even undiagnosed cancers. Without proper intervention, the condition can cause the heart to weaken progressively, eventually leading to severe heart failure. The PFA procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients are typically discharged by the following day. While the technology is newer and associated with a higher cost—estimated at approximately ₹8 lakh compared to ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh for conventional methods—it offers a promising pathway for enhanced recovery and an improved quality of life.
Proactive management of the condition starts with robust lifestyle adjustments. Patients are strongly encouraged to adopt a balanced diet, engage in consistent physical activity, strictly manage blood sugar and pressure levels, and strictly avoid smoking or excessive alcohol intake to mitigate long-term health risks.
