Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, successfully performed a life-saving procedure on a 73-year-old woman suffering from a serious heart rhythm disorder. The procedure was performed by Dr. Karthigesan A.M., Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, marking Tamil Nadu’s first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedure. The patient had been experiencing frequent episodes of rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and worsening heart failure despite multiple medications.
Following the procedure, her heart rhythm was successfully restored to normal, significantly improving her symptoms and overall quality of life. Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses short electrical pulses to precisely target the heart tissue causing the abnormal rhythm. Unlike conventional ablation procedures that use heat or extreme cold, PFA reduces the risk of damage to nearby structures such as the oesophagus, nerves, and surrounding blood vessels.
The procedure is performed using a thin catheter guided to the heart through a vein in the groin, enabling faster recovery and improved patient safety compared to traditional ablation procedures.
Speaking about the milestone, Dr. Karthigesan A.M., Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, said: “Pulsed Field Ablation is one of the most important advances in the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in recent years. It allows us to treat the abnormal heart rhythm with greater precision while improving safety for patients. This is especially beneficial for elderly patients and those with complex heart conditions. Successfully performing Tamil Nadu’s first PFA procedure is a significant achievement and brings a world-class treatment option closer to patients in our state.”
The patient was considered an ideal candidate for PFA because of her age, existing heart condition, and the need for a treatment option that would minimise the risk of injury to surrounding tissues. The procedure was completed successfully, restoring a normal heart rhythm and helping reduce her risk of future complications. The patient has made a good recovery and is doing well.
Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region, said: “Apollo Hospitals has always been committed to bringing the latest medical advances to patients in India. The introduction of Pulsed Field Ablation at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, is another step towards ensuring that patients have access to the best treatment options available without having to travel abroad. This milestone strengthens our commitment to delivering advanced cardiac care and improving patient outcomes.”
With the introduction of Pulsed Field Ablation, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, continues to strengthen its leadership in advanced cardiac electrophysiology, offering patients access to innovative therapies that improve outcomes, enhance safety, and redefine the future of heart rhythm management.
