KUALA LUMPUR: Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has introduced the TactiFlex™ Duo Ablation Catheter, an advanced dual-energy cardiac ablation catheter to treat complex heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.
IJN in a statement today said the technology marks another significant advancement in its interventional electrophysiology services, further strengthening its position as Malaysia’s leading heart centre and national referral institution for complex cardiac cases.
“The TactiFlex™ Duo Ablation Catheter is used in cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that treats areas of heart tissue responsible for abnormal electrical signals.
“Unlike conventional approaches that rely on a single energy source, the technology enables physicians to deliver both radiofrequency (RF) energy and pulsed field ablation (PFA) energy during procedures,” the statement said.
According to the statement, this dual-energy capability gives physicians greater flexibility to tailor treatment according to each patient’s anatomy, tissue characteristics and clinical needs.
“RF energy uses heat to treat tissue responsible for irregular heart signals, while PFA uses high-energy electrical pulses to target cells causing abnormal rhythms, with the potential to reduce the impact on surrounding tissue in suitable patients,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, IJN Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director of Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin said the technology’s dual-energy capability allows physicians to switch between pulsed field ablation and radiofrequency energy during a procedure, depending on the patient’s anatomy and clinical needs.
“This gives physicians greater flexibility and precision in treating complex heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia,” he said.
He added that the technology supports a more personalised approach to ablation therapy, especially for patients with complex disease or anatomy.
“In heart rhythm treatment, no two patients are exactly alike. The ability to tailor ablation therapy according to the patient’s condition is important, particularly when managing complex cases.
“This technology complements our existing ablation capabilities and provides us with another valuable option to improve procedural outcome and patients care,” he said.
Dr Azlan added that the availability of the technology offers patients access to a more personalised and minimally invasive treatment option, particularly for those who continue to experience symptoms despite medication or other conventional treatments.
“By helping physicians target the source of abnormal heart rhythms, successful cardiac ablation may help reduce symptoms and improve patient’s outcomes and quality of life” he said.
He mentioned that the technology is not intended to replace IJN’s existing cardiac ablation systems, but rather to complement them by expanding the range of treatment options available to electrophysiologists.
IJN chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said being the first hospital in Malaysia to introduce the technology reflects IJN’s commitment to bringing advanced cardiovascular technologies into clinical practice.
“More importantly, it ensures that patients in Malaysia have access to contemporary treatment options for complex heart rhythm disorders, delivered by highly specialised teams. IJN will continue to invest in technologies and expertise that support better outcomes for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions,” he said.
He said innovation is meaningful when it improves patient care and that every new technology introduced by IJN is guided by clinical needs, patient safety and the potential to improve outcomes, while also marking another step in delivering the highest standards of heart care for Malaysia and the region.
— BERNAMA
