PFA: Just a Trend or the Future of Arrhythmia Ablation?

The 13th Annual Scientific Meeting of InaHRS 2026, themed “Rhythm of Life: Latest Innovations in Arrhythmology,” commenced with a workshop session for allied professionals entitled “Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) in Arrhythmia Intervention: FOMO or Best Modality.” The session opened with a welcome address delivered by the course director, Arie Restio Fauzi, and was held at The Raffles Hotel Jakarta, in the Djakarta A Room. The workshop featured a series of scientific presentations designed to provide healthcare professionals with the latest updates in arrhythmology, particularly in electrophysiology and emerging technologies, while exploring current evidence and considerations in selecting the most appropriate treatment modalities for patients with arrhythmias.

The pre-test commenced alongside the presentation entitled “Introduction to AF Ablation” by Iyan Solihin. The presentation provided an overview and comparison of conventional thermal ablation technologies, including Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which utilizes heat energy, and cryoablation, which utilizes cold energy, with the newer Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) technology. It was highlighted that PFA offers a more favorable safety and prognostic profile, with minimal tissue injury compared with conventional thermal ablation techniques.

The workshop continued with the topic “Modalities in Ablation Intervention: Choosing the Best Options,” presented by Rohmad Widiyanto. This session explored the mechanisms underlying both thermal and non-thermal ablation modalities, as well as the advantages and limitations of currently used Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and PFA techniques. The session was followed by a Q&A and discussion, involved both speakers from the first session.

Following the coffee break, the second session began with “Pulse Field Ablation: What You Must Know,” presented by Deni Agustian Muhidin. The presentation focused on the fundamental mechanisms and design principles of PFA, with particular emphasis on its tissue selectivity. The session continued with “Biophysics of PFA,” presented by Vincent So, which provided a more in-depth analysis of how PFA system design influences its mechanism of action. The presentation also included clinical data supporting the efficacy of PFA.

The session continued with “Equipment and Preparation for the PFA System,” presented by Ardyles. This presentation covered the waveforms and operational components of PFA systems, as well as the preparation required for patients undergoing PFA procedures. The discussion also included PFA imaging classifications, particularly 2D and 3D imaging, along with their respective advantages and limitations. The second session concluded with a discussion and Q&A session before lunch.

The third session began with the topic “Deep Dive into Pulsed Field Ablation: PFA System Workflow” presented by Arie Restio Fauzi. This topic covered the workflow of the PFA procedure, from preparation and access through to transseptal ablation and verification. The discussion continued with the topic “Safety and Complications Management” presented by Ardyles. This topic provides an explanation of the management of complications that may arise following a PFA procedure. It is emphasised that, in general, the use of PFA carries a lower risk than that of RFA, with pericardial tamponade currently representing the most serious potential complication. 

The final session resumed with “PFA in 2D: Budget or Wasted” by Deni Agustian Muhidin, highlighting that the cost-effectiveness of 2D PFA depends on the patient’s specific case. This was followed by “Pulsed Field Ablation: Beyond Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI)” by Arie Restio Fauzi and “The Outcome and Post-Intervention Care” by Sri Sulastri,”which discussed long-term outcomes and post-procedure management. The workshop concluded with a Kahoot post-test and a closing session, marking the successful completion of the first day of InaHRS 2026.