KARACHI – The cardiology and electrophysiology team at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) performed a low-risk, new technology procedure for atrial fibrillation, early this month.
With a prevalence of about 1% to 4% in the general population, atrial fibrillation is a common but high-risk heart rhythm problem, in which the heart beats too fast and irregularly due to improper electrical impulses. It is a crucial risk factor for stroke if not treated appropriately and timely.
Although treatment of heart rhythm problems is a regular occurrence at AKUH, the use of this new technology is testament to AKUH’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and quality healthcare services to our patients.
Dr Yawer Saeed, Assistant Professor and Consultant, Cardiology and Electrophysiology, led the procedure. His diverse team of cardiology, electrophysiology, and radiology technicians spent months before the procedure to learn its complete management and operation.
The technology, which is relatively new in Pakistan, is more effective, quicker and safer for patients compared to the old technology for atrial fibrillation ablation. “The latest procedure takes two to three hours, and the patient can return to work or drive after one week of the procedure,” Dr Saeed stated, adding that both procedure and recovery time has been reduced considerably. Patients seeking care for atrial fibrillation at AKUH have the benefit of multidisciplinary team to effectively manage this complex heart condition.
Patients’ needs and comfort are at the centre of everything that we do at AKUH. The new technology has paved the way for atrial fibrillation patients seeking care here and for cardiologists from Pakistan and across the world to get trained at AKUH.
