In February 2025, SinoUnited Health's Heart & Vascular Centre began using pulsed-field ablation (PFA) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), adding a newer option for patients whose rhythm cannot be controlled with medication alone.
What is pulsed-field ablation?
PFA is a catheter-based technique that uses short, high-energy electrical pulses to ablate the heart tissue responsible for abnormal rhythm. Unlike thermal approaches, PFA is designed to be tissue-selective: it targets cardiac tissue while aiming to spare nearby structures such as the oesophagus and phrenic nerve.
Why it matters for patients
- Tissue selectivity — may reduce certain collateral risks associated with thermal ablation.
- Efficiency — the procedure is often relatively quick.
- A broader option — a further choice for suitable patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF.
Our heart team
Cardiac care at SinoUnited is led by heart-failure specialist Dr. Kathy Shi, founder of SinoUnited Health, with invited arrhythmia expert Dr. Feifan Ouyang supporting complex electrophysiology cases. The Heart & Vascular Centre brings cardiology, imaging and electrophysiology together in a single coordinated team.
Is it right for you?
Ablation is not appropriate for every patient. Suitability depends on the type and duration of AF, symptoms, heart structure and other health factors. The right first step is a specialist assessment, which can often begin remotely with a review of your ECG, Holter monitor, echocardiogram and medication history.
This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with your treating physician after a full assessment.
To discuss your heart rhythm with our team, contact us to arrange a remote review or an in-person consultation in Shanghai.