Blackrock Health first in Europe to use new technology to treat Atrial Fibrillation

Blackrock Health performed the first procedure using the Varipulse™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) platform in Europe for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The procedure was performed in Blackrock Clinic this week by Professor David Keane. 

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting an estimated 37.5 million people globally^[i], and over 11 million people in Europe alone. ^{[ii],[iii],[iv]}. 

The latest PFA platform (Varipulse™) uses electric voltage (Pulse Field Ablation – PFA) instead of thermal energy to combat AF. Real-time visualisation of results via Carto™ 3D mapping and minimal fluoroscopy exposure promise to lead to greater efficiencies and safety outcomes for patients undergoing AF ablation. Biosense Webster, Inc, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, received regulatory approval for the platform earlier this year.[v] The safety and efficacy of the Varipulse™ Platform was investigated in the inspIRE trial, which included 186 patients in Canada and Europe.^[vi] 

Professor David Keane, who has a longstanding interest in Pulse Field Ablation for the treatment of AF, said that “the Varipulse™ PFA platform has a number of potential advantages over currently available PFA systems. Foremost is the integrated 3-D mapping facility to precisely track catheter orientation and placement of lesions. Randomized trial data indicate that the efficacy of PFA is not higher than that achieved by long-established thermal ablation systems however the efficiency and the safety of PFA may be superior to thermal energy. PFA systems are particularly suitable for de novo procedures, while thermal ablation systems still have a role for repeat procedures. Patients who are younger than 75 years of age are most suited to AF ablation while older patients may prefer to pursue medical management.” 

Blackrock Clinic is home to three cardiac catheterisation labs, one of which is solely dedicated to electrophysiology (EP). The EP cath lab uses hi-tech equipment used to monitor the electrical systems of the heart as well as treat cardiac arrhythmias. 

Mr Gordon Dunne, CEO of Blackrock Health Blackrock Clinic said: “The number of people with AF is projected to increase by up to 70 percent by 2030 and if left untreated, patients with AF face a fivefold increased risk of stroke and reduced longevity. Now more than ever, we need to look at innovative ways to treat this patient cohort to reduce risk of serious illness that can arise from the growing burden of the world’s most common sustained arrhythmia.

At Blackrock Health, we are at the forefront of implementing technological advancements to continuously improve patient care. We are delighted to offer new treatment options for people living with atrial fibrillation with the state-of-the-art Varipulse™ PFA platform.” 

Blackrock Clinic has a long history of pioneering the newest heart treatments and procedures, with a large multidisciplinary team specialising in cardiology.