SRM Global Hospitals saved the life of an 80-year-old patient from Chengalpattu who suffered from atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) by performing Tamil Nadu’s first radiofrequency ablation using TactiFlex, an advanced catheter. Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that destroys tiny areas of heart (and pulmonary) tissues responsible for abnormal electrical signals. TactiFlex, the world’s first catheter with a flexible tip and contact‑force sensing, ensures steady and precise delivery of radiofrequency energy, improving procedural safety.
Unlike traditional catheters, which can lose contact with the heart wall or bounce back, TactiFlex’s flexible electrode tip maintains steady contact even as the heart beats, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of energy. It also features contact‑force sensing, allowing doctors to deliver precisely the right amount of radiofrequency energy to destroy only the targeted tiny areas of heart tissue.
After the procedure, the patient’s heart and blood circulation started working well enough to maintain normal blood pressure and blood flow. He was back to his normal state within days.
The procedure was performed by a team of interventional cardiologists led by Dr. T. R. Muralidharan, a cardiologist and director of the Institute of Cardiac Sciences at SRM Global Hospitals.
In his comments, Dr P. Sathyanarayanan, President of SRM Global Hospitals, said, “We believe in using advanced technology whenever it benefits patients, which is why we are pleased to introduce this ablation catheter technology. Ablation is a method of burning or freezing a tiny part of the heart to stop the abnormal electrical signals that cause arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. For ablation to be effective, the lesion must be deep, continuous, and uniform. On a constantly beating heart, a routine catheter with a rigid tip can slip, bounce, or lose contact, leading to uneven energy delivery. TactiFlex, however, has a flexible tip that moves with the heart, providing much more stable contact. Its contact‑force sensing feature offers real-time feedback, allowing surgeons to maintain safe and effective pressure throughout the procedure. We are proud to have performed the state’s first use of TactiFlex to treat atrial fibrillation.”
Talking about the diagnosis and treatment, Dr Muralidharan said, “The senior citizen experienced palpitations and shortness of breath. Upon admission, we diagnosed recurrent atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and chaotically. He also had frequent ventricular premature contractions, which caused extra early beats from the ventricles (lower chambers), further disrupting the normal heart rhythm. Using the TactiFlex catheter, along with intracardiac ultrasound and a 3D mapping system, we were able to pinpoint the problem areas with high precision. Once identified, we applied controlled heat (radiofrequency energy) to those spots to stop the abnormal signals. The patient recovered within 48 hours and was discharged on minimal medications.”
The experts urged that anyone experiencing palpitations, sweating, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath should consult a cardiologist and undergo a proper evaluation. Managing diabetes (DM) and high blood pressure (HTN) is crucial, as both can impact heart health. It is also recommended to limit caffeinated drinks, which can trigger irregular heartbeats in some individuals. They added that lifestyle changes, including a low-caffeine diet, can help prevent heart rhythm problems. Early detection is essential, as it reduces the risk of serious complications.
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