ABU DHABI, 15th November, 2024 (WAM) -- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), recently achieved a groundbreaking interventional milestone by performing Abu Dhabi’s first pulse field ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation, a very complex heart condition characterised by a rapid and irregular heartbeat, was successfully treated in two intricate cases at SSMC. The patients presented with palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pains, which persisted, despite traditional medical treatment.
Following a thorough evaluation by SSMC’s multidisciplinary team, careful consideration was given to either escalating doses of antiarrhythmic medications or using the novel pulse field ablation approach. In both cases, the team chose to proceed with the latter. The decision was taken based on the current limitations of conventional medications and the potential risks associated with increased medical therapy.
The pioneering surgery was led by Dr. Omar Alfalasi, a leading consultant in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology, and vice chair of Cardiology and director of the Electrophysiology service, who served as the proctor. He was joined by Dr. Mario Njeim, consultant cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist at SSMC, with the support of Dr. Yousef Alattar, chair of the Cardiology division and consultant cardiologist.