Revolutionary "Zero-Radiation" Radiofrequency Ablation Technique Successfully Treats Complex Arrhythmia in a Pregnant Patient

Introduction:
In a breakthrough procedure at the Fuwai Hospital, a team led by Director Wang Xianqing and Associate Director Chen Ke successfully performed a groundbreaking "Zero-Radiation Radiofrequency Ablation" on a 38-year-old pregnant woman with severe arrhythmia. This advanced technique, which eliminates the need for X-ray exposure, not only cured her arrhythmia but also ensured the safety of both mother and fetus, marking a major step towards "green electrophysiology" in complex arrhythmia interventions.

The Case:
The patient, a 13-week pregnant woman, experienced frequent episodes of severe heart palpitations, describing the sensation as though her heart was "about to jump out of her chest." Despite seeking help from several local hospitals, her condition was considered too complex to treat, with one hospital even recommending termination of the pregnancy.

Seeking alternative solutions, the patient consulted Associate Director Chen Ke at Fuwai Hospital. After a thorough examination, it was revealed that the patient had complex arrhythmias, including paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). During episodes of tachycardia, her heart rate reached 200 beats per minute and lasted for hours, accompanied by chest tightness, dizziness, and low blood pressure with signs of shock. Conventional treatments had failed, and catheter radiofrequency ablation was urgently required.

The Challenge of Treating Arrhythmias During Pregnancy:
Arrhythmias such as PSVT are common during pregnancy but pose significant risks to both the mother and fetus. Traditional anti-arrhythmic drugs may cross the placenta and cause potential harm to the fetus, while conventional radiofrequency ablation typically requires X-ray guidance, posing a risk of radiation exposure to both the mother and the fetus.

Innovative Solution:
To overcome these challenges, Dr. Chen and her team opted for a revolutionary approach—Zero-Radiation Radiofrequency Ablation, also known as "green electrophysiology." This procedure utilizes a three-dimensional mapping system to navigate the heart's electrical pathways without the need for any X-ray exposure.

The procedure, which requires high expertise in both electrophysiology and catheter operation, successfully identified the abnormal electrical circuit and treated the arrhythmia in just 30 minutes, with no radiation exposure. The patient’s heart rate quickly returned to normal, and the procedure ensured the maximum safety of both the mother and the unborn child.

Conclusion:
This successful implementation of Zero-Radiation Radiofrequency Ablation marks a significant milestone in the treatment of complex arrhythmias during pregnancy. It highlights the potential of "green electrophysiology" techniques to safeguard both maternal and fetal health while providing effective solutions for arrhythmia treatment. Dr. Chen advises women planning pregnancy who have known arrhythmias to undergo a pre-pregnancy evaluation and, if necessary, consider electrophysiological assessment and radiofrequency ablation before conception.