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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new electrophysiology system, officially launched on February 9, integrates advanced heart mapping software with dual-energy ablation technology into a single platform. This innovation allows specialists to treat complex heart rhythm disorders with enhanced precision and flexibility.
IJN Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director of Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices, Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin, stated that this next-generation integrated electrophysiology system represents a significant shift in the treatment of complex heart rhythm disorders. 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.
Dr Azlan highlighted the unique nature of this system in the field of electrophysiology, noting that previously, at least two different catheters were required-one for mapping and another for delivering energy. With this new system, the entire procedure can be completed using a single catheter. He explained that this integration significantly improves procedural efficiency, reducing complex procedure times from four and a half to five hours to just one to two hours.
He added that IJN has been at the forefront of treating atrial fibrillation for many years, having introduced the first invasive treatment for the condition in Malaysia. Dr Azlan emphasized that treatment has now entered a new phase with newer energy sources, ensuring that patients receive not only effective but also safer and more appropriate therapy.
Dr Azlan 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 age, the likelihood of developing irregular heart rhythms increases, affecting between 10% and 30% of individuals. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can significantly impact quality of life and place a heavy burden on healthcare systems due to its high prevalence and long-term complications.
Since the system's rollout in February, IJN has successfully treated 11 patients, comprising both government-subsidised and private cases. All 11 procedures were completed without complications, with patients discharged the following day.