KUALA LUMPUR - Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has achieved a significant medical milestone by becoming the first hospital in Asia to clinically utilise the Affera Prism-2 Mapping and Ablation System for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder.
The new electrophysiology system, officially launched on Feb 9, brings together advanced heart mapping software and dual-energy ablation technology in a single platform, allowing specialists to treat complex heart rhythm disorders with greater precision and flexibility.
IJN Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director of Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices, Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin said this next-generation integrated electrophysiology system represents a significant shift in how complex heart rhythm disorders are treated.
The technology enables specialists to perform both detailed heart mapping and ablation treatment using a single catheter, eliminating the need to switch devices during the procedure, he added.
"This is unique in the field of electrophysiology. Previously, we required at least two different catheters, one for mapping and another to deliver energy. With this system, we can complete the entire procedure using a single catheter,” he told reporters at a media briefing at IJN here today.
Dr Azlan noted that the integration significantly improves procedural efficiency, with complex cases that conventionally took between four and a half to five hours now completed in just one to two hours.
He added that IJN has been treating atrial fibrillation for many years, noting that the first invasive treatment for the condition in the country was introduced at the institute.
"Treatment has now entered a new phase, where newer energy sources are used to ensure patients receive not only effective but also safer and more appropriate therapy,” he said.
He also described AFib, a condition where the heart beats irregularly, as a "growing epidemic” both in Malaysia and globally, particularly among ageing populations.
"As patients grow older, the likelihood of developing irregular heart rhythms increases. It is estimated that between 10 per cent and 30 per cent of individuals may develop atrial fibrillation as they age.
"If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can significantly affect quality of life and place a heavy burden on healthcare systems due to its high prevalence and long-term complications,” he said.
Since the system’s rollout in January, IJN has successfully treated 11 patients, including both government-subsidised and private cases. All 11 procedures were completed without complications, with patients discharged the following day. - BERNAMA