The pioneering procedure was conducted by a team of Cardiac Electrophysiologists comprising Dr. Deepak Padmanabhan, Dr. Kapil Kumawat, and Dr. Debabrata Bera. The procedure, which traditionally requires up to four hours using conventional ablation techniques, was completed in just 35 minutes with the help of Pulsed Field Ablation technology.
As the first medical centre in India to perform Pulsed Field Ablation, Narayana Health has integrated the technology into its Comprehensive AFib Management Programme with the objective of providing advanced, minimally invasive, and safer treatment options for patients suffering from Atrial Fibrillation. The institute performs the procedure using globally recognised technology platforms developed by Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
The advanced technology enables physicians to perform procedures with greater precision and efficiency while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety. Compatible with both conscious and deep sedation, the procedure supports shorter hospital stays and faster recovery periods. In an effort to improve accessibility, Narayana Health offers mechanisms that allow patients from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to undergo the treatment at costs starting from approximately Rs 2.5 lakh despite the use of imported technology.
Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, described Pulsed Field Ablation as a defining leap in cardiac rhythm management. He stated that the technology uses ultra-fast electrical pulses to selectively target cardiac tissue while preserving surrounding critical structures and minimising damage. According to him, the innovation represents one of the safest and most promising breakthroughs in Electrophysiology in recent years and ushers in a new era of rhythm management in India.
Dr. Shetty highlighted the growing global burden of Atrial Fibrillation, noting that nearly 50 million people worldwide are affected by the condition, with prevalence increasing as populations age. He explained that AFib contributes to nearly 20 per cent of brain strokes with unidentified causes, worsens heart failure, and may contribute to dementia through minor brain infarcts and reduced blood flow to the brain.
Atrial Fibrillation occurs when the heart's upper chambers beat out of sync with the lower chambers, causing rapid and irregular contractions. This disrupts the heart's coordinated pumping function, leading to blood accumulation within the heart and increasing the risk of clot formation and heart failure. Elevated heart rates and poor chamber filling further reduce exercise capacity, creating a cycle of worsening heart failure, Atrial Fibrillation, and weakening of the atrial muscles.
Patients suffering from AFib may experience symptoms including a fluttering sensation in the chest, unusual fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. While medications and blood-thinning therapies can help manage symptoms, restoring a normal cardiac rhythm remains the most effective long-term treatment strategy.
Until now, many patients have relied on traditional thermal ablation procedures, which use heat or cold energy to destroy heart tissue responsible for abnormal electrical signals. Although minimally invasive, these procedures carry a greater risk of affecting surrounding structures.
Early clinical studies of Pulsed Field Ablation have demonstrated significant benefits, including improved safety, effectiveness, reduced recovery times, and shorter procedure durations. These advantages allow patients to spend less time in operating environments while returning to normal activities more quickly.
Dr. Shetty further emphasised that the successful adoption of Pulsed Field Ablation in India must be supported by rigorous clinical evaluation, structured physician training, and strong institutional protocols. He said the technology has the potential to substantially reduce procedure times, improve patient recovery, and redefine treatment standards for individuals suffering from complex cardiac arrhythmias. He added that successful Atrial Fibrillation management requires a comprehensive and patient-centric approach extending beyond the procedure itself.
Dr. Deepak Padmanabhan noted that patients increasingly seek treatments that are effective, minimally invasive, and associated with faster recovery. He explained that the procedure is performed through a fine catheter guided via blood vessels in the leg. Most patients require only an overnight hospital stay and can return to work quickly. He added that the technology also allows hospitals to expand treatment capacity and effectively address the growing healthcare demands of India's large population.
Dr. Kapil Kumawat stressed the importance of early recognition and diagnosis. He advised that persistent palpitations, irregular heartbeat, unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or breathlessness should never be ignored. According to him, timely evaluation can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, including brain stroke and heart failure. He also highlighted the importance of structured long-term follow-up after ablation procedures, including stroke prevention measures, blood pressure control, diabetes management, weight management, regular exercise, and treatment of sleep apnoea.
Dr. Debabrata Bera stated that the primary objective of Electrophysiologists is to provide durable rhythm control while reducing procedural risks and recovery times. He described Pulsed Field Ablation as a major step toward achieving that goal and offering renewed hope to patients living with Atrial Fibrillation. He also noted that the technology could broaden access to treatment because its learning curve is expected to be less demanding than existing ablation techniques.
Narayana Health has developed and implemented advanced technologies for the treatment of arrhythmias, or electrical disturbances of the heart. Comprehensive AFib services are currently available across the hospital network throughout India.
Founded by Dr. Devi Shetty and headquartered in Bengaluru, Narayana Health is one of India's largest healthcare providers, operating a wide network of primary, secondary, and super-speciality tertiary care facilities across India and the Caribbean. The healthcare group maintains Centres of Excellence across multiple medical specialties and is supported by 18,822 professionals, including 3,868 doctors and specialists. Narayana One Health and Narayana Health Insurance function as subsidiaries of the organisation.
The successful completion of India's first Pulsed Field Ablation procedure marks a transformative moment in the country's cardiac healthcare landscape. By combining cutting-edge technology, enhanced patient safety, faster recovery, and greater accessibility, Narayana Health has opened a new chapter in the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation and complex cardiac arrhythmias, setting a benchmark for the future of cardiac rhythm management in India.
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