First Case! The First in the Province~

Recently, the pacemaker and electrophysiology team at Affiliated to Qingdao University/Rizhao International Heart Hospital successfully performed Shandong Province's first pulsed field ablation (PFA) surgery on a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF), achieving satisfactory immediate post-operative outcomes. This marks the first time this procedure has been conducted in the province since its market introduction. Pulsed field ablation has further enhanced the efficiency and safety of AF catheter ablation, providing a new option for this treatment and bringing greater clinical benefits to more AF patients.

Being the first to perform pulsed field ablation in the region signifies our hospital's advanced precision treatment in atrial fibrillation care, ushering in a new era of AF pulsed field ablation. It also demonstrates the high-level diagnostic and treatment capabilities of the pacemaker and electrophysiology team in the field of arrhythmias.

A New Heart Treatment Solution for a Persistent AF Patient

Mr. Liu (a pseudonym), a 74-year-old man, had experienced palpitations and chest tightness for five years without any apparent cause. A dynamic electrocardiogram taken at an external hospital showed persistent atrial fibrillation. Long-term oral medication failed to control the condition. In the past two weeks, his symptoms had become more frequent, with palpitations and chest tightness becoming unbearable, and severe episodes causing fainting. He then sought care at the electrophysiology clinic of Rizhao Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University/Rizhao International Heart Hospital.

After admission, the pacemaker and electrophysiology team performed thorough examinations, including electrocardiography, cardiac ultrasound, and three-dimensional CT imaging. Given Mr. Liu's poor overall health and inability to endure a lengthy procedure, the team repeatedly assessed the test results and conducted multidisciplinary discussions. They developed a safer and more efficient surgical plan tailored to his condition, ultimately deciding to use the most advanced pulsed field ablation technique to treat his persistent atrial fibrillation.

New Technology for Solving "Heartbeat Rhythm" Issues

Catheter ablation is currently the main treatment for atrial fibrillation. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new form of energy used for AF catheter ablation in recent years. Unlike traditional radiofrequency and cryoablation, PFA works by applying high-voltage pulses to cells for a short period, causing irreversible electroporation of the cell membrane, ultimately leading to cell apoptosis. Therefore, PFA is known for its efficiency and safety, making it a hot research topic in the field of AF catheter ablation. Over the years, we have continuously followed international and domestic clinical advancements, closely tracking new technologies, and have been committed to introducing and implementing them to ensure that residents of Rizhao can access high-quality medical services without leaving the city,” said Director Xie Xinxing.

After thorough preoperative preparation and obtaining the family's consent, Director Xie Xinxing led the pacemaker and electrophysiology team to perform the pulsed field ablation for Mr. Liu using a three-dimensional system. The surgery was conducted under local anesthesia, with the ablation catheter precisely delivered to the designated position, followed by the pulse release for ablation. Intraoperatively, the electrical potential in the pulmonary veins disappeared immediately after discharge. The patient experienced no significant pain, the ablation time was greatly shortened, and there was no damage to adjacent tissues, significantly improving the safety. After the surgery, Mr. Liu's heart rhythm returned to normal, and he maintained sinus rhythm, with no recurrence of AF. He was discharged the next day and returned to his normal daily life.

The successful completion of this pulsed ablation surgery marks a new era for our hospital's electrophysiology team in AF treatment. As a key clinical specialty in the city, in recent years, our hospital's cardiovascular pacemaker and electrophysiology team has pioneered various advanced clinical techniques in the region, including AF cryoablation, left atrial appendage occlusion, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRTD), and implantation of a cardiac contractility modulator (CCM). Many of these technologies were independently introduced within the province. Looking ahead, the pacemaker and electrophysiology team will continue to innovate and advance, ensuring that patients with vascular diseases in Rizhao and surrounding areas receive the most advanced and appropriate treatments.