More than 500,000 Australians with a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder can now be treated by new technology which could allow them to stop taking daily heart pills.
The technology at Epworth Richmond uses electrical pulses to treat atrial fibrillation which, if left untreated, can make people five times more likely to have a stroke, higher rates of cardiovascular admissions to hospital, heart failure, or reduced quality of life.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder in Australia and occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of rhythm with the lower chambers, blood is not pumped efficiently to the rest of the body, causing an unusually fast heart rate, quivering, or thumping sensations in the heart.
The common symptoms of AF include feeling breathless, feeling faint, dizzy or lightheaded, racing heart, tiredness or weakness, chest discomfort and difficulty exercising.
Previously, AF was treated by heat or cold ablation. Under the new system, a catheter is inserted via the leg up to the heart to deliver pulsed-field energy to destroy abnormal cells causing the arrhythmia. High-definition 3D mapping technology means the targeted tissue can be precisely treated.
Epworth Richmond started using the Affera Cardiac Mapping and Ablation System in February and heart rhythm specialist cardiologist Dr Andrei Catanchin said it was already having a dramatic impact.
"This technology is an important upgrade to treat atrial fibrillation. Procedures can take just an hour, compared with up to four hours, which means less time under anaesthesia," Dr Catanchin said.
"Recovery may also be faster with some patients returning to work after several days, and we expect it will allow many patients to reduce amounts of medication which often have side effects. It may also prevent clot formation which can be a risk for patients."
One of the first patients treated using the new system, Kyneton grandmother of six Jennifer Flanagan, 72, said unlike previous treatments for her atrial fibrillation she felt no chest discomfort or pain after.
"The previous treatments used heat which caused some burning and discomfort after, but this time I felt no pain at all," said Ms Flanagan who has suffered from AF since 2001.
"I can feel a difference. Time will tell but my chest just feels calmer and I'm back doing all the active things I love."
The Affera Cardiac Mapping and Ablation System is made by Medtronic.
