2024 | Kyoung-Ryul Julian Chun, Damijan Miklavčič, Konstantinos Vlachos, Stefano Bordignon, Daniel Scherr, Pierre Jais, and Boris Schmidt
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an innovative technique in cardiac electrophysiology for treating arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation methods that use radiofrequency or cryothermal energy, PFA employs high-voltage electric pulses to induce irreversible electroporation, leading to targeted tissue destruction. This review summarizes the biophysical principles and clinical applications of PFA, highlighting its potential advantages over conventional ablation methods. PFA devices have shown promising results with predictable procedural outcomes and reduced risk of thermal collateral damage. Recent advancements in PFA catheters have led to rapid evolution in the field, with future developments potentially improving patient care.
PFA works by creating transmural, durable lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The mechanism involves the application of high-voltage electric pulses that cause pore formation in cell membranes, leading to cell death. Although PFA is considered non-thermal and tissue-selective, it can still cause heating due to the current drawn from the generator. The effectiveness of PFA depends on parameters such as pulse amplitude, width, number of pulses, and waveform. These parameters are typically set by manufacturers and may vary between different PFA systems.
PFA has been tested in various clinical settings, including atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Devices such as the Farapulse™, Varipulse™, and AFFERA™ have been developed and evaluated for their performance in creating durable lesions. These devices have shown high success rates in achieving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and durable ablation. However, there are still challenges in achieving consistent results, particularly in complex anatomical areas such as the mitral isthmus.
PFA has also been studied for its potential to reduce complications such as thermal oesophageal injury and phrenic nerve palsy. However, there are concerns about other potential side effects, including coronary artery spasm and haemolysis. The integration of PFA with 3D mapping systems is expected to improve the precision of ablation and reduce the risk of gaps. Future research is needed to further understand the long-term efficacy and safety of PFA, as well as to optimize its use in various clinical scenarios. Overall, PFA represents a promising advancement in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, offering a potentially disruptive alternative to traditional ablation methods.Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an innovative technique in cardiac electrophysiology for treating arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation methods that use radiofrequency or cryothermal energy, PFA employs high-voltage electric pulses to induce irreversible electroporation, leading to targeted tissue destruction. This review summarizes the biophysical principles and clinical applications of PFA, highlighting its potential advantages over conventional ablation methods. PFA devices have shown promising results with predictable procedural outcomes and reduced risk of thermal collateral damage. Recent advancements in PFA catheters have led to rapid evolution in the field, with future developments potentially improving patient care.
PFA works by creating transmural, durable lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The mechanism involves the application of high-voltage electric pulses that cause pore formation in cell membranes, leading to cell death. Although PFA is considered non-thermal and tissue-selective, it can still cause heating due to the current drawn from the generator. The effectiveness of PFA depends on parameters such as pulse amplitude, width, number of pulses, and waveform. These parameters are typically set by manufacturers and may vary between different PFA systems.
PFA has been tested in various clinical settings, including atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Devices such as the Farapulse™, Varipulse™, and AFFERA™ have been developed and evaluated for their performance in creating durable lesions. These devices have shown high success rates in achieving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and durable ablation. However, there are still challenges in achieving consistent results, particularly in complex anatomical areas such as the mitral isthmus.
PFA has also been studied for its potential to reduce complications such as thermal oesophageal injury and phrenic nerve palsy. However, there are concerns about other potential side effects, including coronary artery spasm and haemolysis. The integration of PFA with 3D mapping systems is expected to improve the precision of ablation and reduce the risk of gaps. Future research is needed to further understand the long-term efficacy and safety of PFA, as well as to optimize its use in various clinical scenarios. Overall, PFA represents a promising advancement in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, offering a potentially disruptive alternative to traditional ablation methods.