Efficacy and safety of novel pulsed field ablation (PFA) technique for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Aim: Pulse field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a safe alternative to other catheter ablation energy sources for patients. Although early results are encouraging, secondary data about outcomes are lacking. Herein, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the novel technique. Methods: We searched PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and several major scientific conferences for studies reporting results regarding PFA. Results: Sixteen studies were included, reporting 485 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent pulsed field operations. Patients averaged 60 years of age. The total duration of the procedure is 94 min. The average Fluoro procedure takes 17 min. Isolation of all pulmonary veins was 100% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (p > 0.05). Overall, the recurrence rate of arrhythmia in the participants was 2.84% (95% CI) (p > 0.05). Complications were detected during or after the PFA procedure at a rate of 2.23% (p < 0.05), with 95% CI indicating the high safety of the PFA procedure. Conclusion: Using pulsed-field ablation as a new treatment for atrial fibrillation has proven safe and effective.