On 2/6, doctor Truong Quang Khanh, Head of the Department of Cardiology at Thong Nhat Hospital, announced that the hospital successfully treated three cases of atrial fibrillation using pulsed electric field energy (PFA). Each intervention proceeded smoothly in less than 30 minutes, leading to good patient recovery. Thong Nhat Hospital is the second hospital in Vietnam to perform this technique, following the Vietnam National Heart Institute (Bach Mai Hospital) by a few days.

Patients recovered well after atrial fibrillation treatment using pulsed electric field energy at Thong Nhat Hospital. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder where the heart beats irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and reducing quality of life. For many patients, this is a chronic condition requiring anticoagulants or intervention to control heart rhythm.

Currently, three techniques are available for atrial fibrillation ablation: radiofrequency ablation (RF) combined with a 3D mapping system, cryoballoon ablation, and pulsed electric field energy ablation (PFA). Radiofrequency ablation is the longest, taking about two to three hours, but it is the least expensive, costing over 100 million dong, and is currently covered by health insurance. Cryoballoon ablation is more expensive, costing around 250 million dong, and takes about one hour 30 minutes.

PFA technology uses high-intensity electric pulses for an extremely short duration to selectively target arrhythmogenic myocardial tissue without using heat. This method helps limit damage outside the heart and significantly shortens intervention time; however, the cost is still quite high, at around 350 million dong, and it is not yet covered by insurance.

Doctors and medical staff during an atrial fibrillation ablation intervention using pulsed electric field energy at Thong Nhat Hospital. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Associate Professor Doctor Le Dinh Thanh, Director of Thong Nhat Hospital, stated that the hospital sent four doctors for specialized training at Juntendo University Hospital in Japan before implementing the technique. The doctors practiced directly on patients and received certificates of program completion.

According to Associate Professor Doctor Hayashi Hidemori, Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University Hospital, numerous international studies indicate that PFA offers a high rate of pulmonary vein isolation, shorter procedure times, and a promising safety profile compared to traditional thermal ablation methods.

Experts anticipate that the successful implementation of this technique will expand modern treatment options for atrial fibrillation patients in Vietnam, while also demonstrating the domestic medical team's capacity to access and master advanced specialized techniques.

Le Phuong