Pulsed field ablation for the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation: a scientific statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society, and the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pulsed field ablation has emerged as a novel non-thermal treatment modality with a distinct safety profile for the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation. By inducing irreversible electroporation, pulsed field ablation achieves myocardial ablation while preserving surrounding structures such as nerves, vasculature, and the oesophagus. This European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology scientific statement, endorsed by major international societies, reviews the biophysics, technology, clinical evidence, workflow, safety, and training aspects of pulsed field ablation. Randomized trials demonstrate comparable efficacy to radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation, with advantages in safety and efficiency. The statement provides practical advice for clinical implementation and operator training and identifies key gaps in evidence and priorities for future research and innovation.
Source: EP Europace
Authors: Michael Kühne, Patrick Badertscher, Jason G Andrade, Ante Anic, Julian Chun, Antonio Dello Russo, Pierre Jais, Josef Kautzner, Heiko Lehrmann, Claire Martin, Jose Luis Merino, Damijan Miklavcic, Andrea Natale, Kars Neven, Armando Perez-Silva, Jonathan Piccini, Tobias Reichlin, Raphael Rosso, Martin Ruwald, Andrea Sarkozy, Daniel Scherr, Arian Sultan, Hiroshi Tada, Stylianos Tzeis, Atul Verma, Bradley Wilsmore, Helmut Pürerfellner
Institutions: University Hospital of Basel, Vancouver General Hospital, Klinički Bolnički Centar Split, Cardiovascular Center Bethanien, Université de Bordeaux, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, Universitäts-Herzzentrum Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Royal Papworth Hospital, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, University of Ljubljana, St David's Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Hospital Regional de Concepción, University of Bern, University Hospital of Bern, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Medical University of Graz, Asklepios, Asklepios Kliniken Hamburg, University of Fukui, Mitera Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Krankenhaus der Elisabethinen
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,909
OpenAlex ID: W7154037036