Experts say the PFA procedure for atrial fibrillation is significantly cutting surgery time and recovery periods, ushering in a new era in cardiac care.
UAE Adopts New Heart Procedure That Cuts Surgery Time and Complications
A groundbreaking procedure now being used in the UAE is dramatically reducing surgery time, complications, and recovery for heart patients. Known as pulse field ablation (PFA), the technique is being hailed by experts as ushering in “a new era” in cardiac care.
According to Dr. Mohamed Magdy Abbas, Consultant and Head of the EP Unit at Al Qassimi Hospital, PFA is used to treat atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide. Traditionally, treating this condition required a lengthy procedure of up to three hours under general anesthesia. With PFA, however, the procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, offering patients a faster, safer, and more efficient treatment option.
He spoke at the Emirates Health Services stand during the World Health Expo (WHX), which opened in Dubai on Monday, noting that the technology could help prevent serious complications. Treating atrial fibrillation with PFA reduces the risk of stroke and heart failure, two major long-term health threats.
UAE Introduces New Heart Procedure That Cuts Stroke Risk by 25%
A groundbreaking heart procedure now being used in the UAE is dramatically reducing surgery time, complications, and recovery for patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide. Known as pulse field ablation (PFA), the technique is being hailed by experts as ushering in “a new era” in cardiac care.
Speaking at the Emirates Health Services stand during the World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, Dr. Mohamed Magdy Abbas, Consultant and Head of the EP Unit at Al Qassimi Hospital, explained that PFA could significantly reduce serious complications. “This procedure will lower the incidence of heart failure, which leads to fewer brain strokes,” he said. “By this treatment, we can lower the number of stroke patients by 25 per cent.”
Faster, Safer Treatment
Earlier treatments relied on burning or freezing tissue to isolate abnormal electrical signals in the heart—a process that could take hours. “We are living in a new era,” said Dr. Abbas. “This is more tissue-specific, heart-specific, safer, with fewer complications, and a much quicker procedure.”
The new catheter technology allows doctors to see real-time contact with heart tissue and perform the procedure without general anesthesia. “The catheter doesn’t require general anesthesia,” Dr. Abbas noted. “The patient can undergo the procedure under conscious sedation.” Complication rates have also dropped dramatically, from 7% to just 2%.
Earlier Recovery, Better Outcomes
One of the biggest benefits for patients is rapid recovery. “Early recovery is the most important thing,” said Dr. Abbas, highlighting faster mobilisation and shorter hospital stays. Studies are even exploring same-day discharge, allowing patients to undergo treatment in the morning and return home by night.
Doctors monitor recovery using a small injectable chip placed under the skin, which tracks heart rhythm before and after the procedure. According to Dr. Abbas, early results are highly promising: “The outcomes are remarkable, with much lower recurrence compared to radiofrequency and cryoablation.”
He added: “It improves quality of life, avoids disability, and prevents heart failure. Hopefully, we can help more patients as this innovation continues to evolve.”
