Cork hospital becomes one of the first to tackle heart condition with new dual treatment

A Cork hospital has become one of the first in Ireland to treat abnormal heart rhythms with a new dual treatment.

The Mater Private Network Cork introduced the new procedure — called ‘dual energy ablation’ — just months after it was first successfully used to treat abnormal heart rhythms in a human in January.

Abnormal heart rhythms, also known as ventricular arrhythmias, arise in the lower chambers of the heart and, in serious cases, can lead to cardiac arrest.

The introduction of the procedure at the Mahon-based hospital makes the facility an early adopter of the emerging approach.

Abnormal heart rhythms can be difficult to treat because the abnormal electrical signals may originate deep within the heart muscle, or other challenging locations.

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation, which uses heat to target the tissue causing the abnormal rhythm, is an established treatment.

Dual energy ablation allows cardiologists to switch between radiofrequency and pulsed field energy during the same procedure, rather than relying on a single type of energy.

Dr Pauriah of Mater Private Cork said ventricular arrhythmias can be among the more challenging heart rhythm disorders.

“The abnormal electrical activity can come from different areas of the heart and the best approach can depend on the location and type of tissue we are treating,” said Dr Pauriah.

“Having two forms of energy available means we can choose the approach best suited to what we find.

“For patients, it gives us more options when treating these complex heart rhythms.

“It also means selected patients can access this specialist treatment in Cork rather than travelling further afield or overseas for care.”