The Hyderabad based Prime Hospitals has introduced first ever electronic balloon based ablation for cardiac arrhythmias (Ventricular Premature Contractions) in patients.

The latest treatment therapy is introduced to treat patients suffering from Unifocal Ventricular premature contractions (PVCs). This is performed by doing a 3D mapping of the heart and localizing the focus from where the abnormal heart beat is originating. Once the focused area of aberration in the heart is identified, it can be burnt utilizing controlled radio-frequency energy.

A team led by cardiac specialist, Dr JayakeerthiRao, performed an electrophysiology study utilizing 3D mapping technology before treating a patient Mohammad Amjad Ali who was suffering from severe PVC problem. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a wire was passed into the pulmonary artery and using this for support, the EnsiteArray balloon was passed over it and positioned in the area of interest which was the outflow portion of the right ventricle from where the PVCs were arising as per the ECG evidence. A7Fr4mm ablation catheter was also introduced into the RVOT near the balloon and a 3D map was created. Upon identifying the appropriate site a burn is directed at the location and within seconds of ablation the PVC disappears.

It is believed that if the entire population is monitored for 24 hours at least 50 per cent would have been diagnosed with PVC at some point of time. But doctors say less than two per cent have more than 50 PVCs per 24 hours. If people suffering from severe PVC problems are not treated in time it may lead to severe stroke or heart attacks.

“The new technology used for treating PVCs uses a similar kind technique as that is analogous to the GPRS system. This new method observes the path of the heart beat to track the source of arrhythmias. There are 64 electrodes on the balloon which will be observing impulses from 3000 points in the heart. Before burning the source of problem, the balloon tracks the exact point where the energy is to be applied,” explained Dr Raghu, spokes person from Prime Hospital.

There is also a risk in this kind of treatment. If there is any error in identifying the source of problem then burning a different spot in the heart may lead to heart disorders and it may even lead to heart attacks. But on the positive side the electrophysiological study and radio frequency ablation has the potential for single shot cure. With improved mapping techniques the risk is can significantly reduced and the procedural success can be very high.

According to sources, the cost of the entire treatment ranges from Rs. 3 to Rs. 3.5 lakhs. The best part in this kind of treatment is that, the patient can have a speedy recovery and can be discharged within three days.