BEAT PAROX-AF, a European study, compared the superiority of pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation against radiofrequency ablation, the standard treatment for paroxysmal AF, in 300 patients over a period of one year.
Encouraging Results
The 300 patients underwent an initial ablation procedure using pulsed field or radiofrequency energy and were followed up for 12 months. No recurrence of arrhythmia was observed in approximately 77% of patients in both groups.
Safer and faster: a step ahead in pulsed-field ablation for atrial fibrillation
In terms of safety, pulsed-field ablation has the advantage. This technique results in fewer serious complications related to the procedure. Moreover, it should be noted that there were no deaths, strokes, atrioesophageal fistulas, or permanent phrenic nerve injuries in either group.
Pulsed field ablation has another advantage: its duration is significantly shorter.
In the future, these parameters could confirm a rise in the use of pulsed field energy and improved access to treatment for patients.
Patients: what this means for you
✔ Ablation of atrial fibrillation using either pulsed field or radiofrequency techniques, the ablation techniques available today enable effective control of the disease in the vast majority of patients.
✔ Recent innovations and the rise of pulsed field energy aim to further improve the safety of the procedure.
✔ The choice of technique will depend on your medical situation and the expertise of the team treating you.
The “BEAT-AF” Research Project
Launched in March 2021 for a period of five years, the BEAT-AF project aimed to evaluate the superiority and efficacy of pulsed field ablation in pulmonary vein isolation, compared with radiofrequency ablation, the standard treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). It will come to an end in February 2026.
