Breaking the Rhythm: Atrial Fibrillation and the Potential of Pulsed Field Ablation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2117Keywords:
Medicine, Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiac Arrhythmia, Pulsed Field Ablation, Electroporation, Cardiac AblationAbstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation is a common and serious heart condition. Pulsed field ablation is a new treatment option for atrial fibrillation.
Methods: Sources were identified via PubMed search with important key terms such as “atrial fibrillation,” “pulsed field ablation,” and “pulsed field ablation clinical trials.” Pertinent information was taken from relevant literature to be included in this paper.
Results: Pulsed field ablation has many theoretical advantages over traditional ablation, including increased safety and tissue specificity. Animal models and preliminary data suggest a favorable side effect profile, but existing clinical data is limited and has yet to establish greater efficacy or safety for pulsed field ablation when compared to thermal ablation in humans.
Conclusion: Pulsed field ablation is an innovative technology that may be of considerable benefit to patients with atrial fibrillation, but further research is necessary to conclude its efficacy and safety compared to existing ablation techniques.
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