Healthy Soch
“This Landmark Achievement Ushers in a New Era of Safer and Advanced Cardiac Electrophysiology Treatment in India & the SAARC Region”
New Delhi, India – June 10, 2026:
In a significant milestone for Indian healthcare and cardiac electrophysiology, BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, has successfully performed the first Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) procedure in India for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), one of the most common and potentially serious heart rhythm disorders worldwide.
The groundbreaking procedure was performed by Dr. T. S. Kler, Chairman & Head of the Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, under the supervision of Prof. Jasbir S. Sra, an internationally renowned cardiac electrophysiologist from Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin (USA), recognized globally for his expertise in heart rhythm disorders and arrhythmia management.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of people worldwide. The condition occurs when the upper chambers of the heart develop a chaotic electrical storm to the tune of 500–600 impulses, and the heart rate becomes fast and irregular, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, and an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.
For the last 15–20 years, ablation of Atrial Fibrillation has been performed using radiofrequency (thermal energy) or cryoablation by freezing cardiac tissue. Both techniques have certain limitations and complications, such as phrenic nerve palsy causing paralysis of the left half of the diaphragm muscle, and another very rare but potentially serious complication involving the formation of a communication between the cavity of the left atrium and the food pipe (esophagus).
Pulse Field Ablation: A Revolutionary Advancement
Pulse Field Ablation represents the next generation of AF treatment. Developed using advanced technology introduced by Boston Scientific, USA, PFA employs ultra-short electrical pulses to selectively target and ablate abnormal heart tissue responsible for triggering atrial fibrillation.
Unlike conventional thermal ablation techniques, Pulse Field Ablation utilizes a process known as irreversible electroporation, enabling highly precise tissue targeting while minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures such as the esophagus, phrenic nerve, and pulmonary veins.
Key advantages of Pulse Field Ablation include:
• Enhanced safety profile due to tissue-selective energy delivery. • Reduced risk of collateral damage to surrounding organs.
• Shorter procedure times.
• Faster patient recovery.
• Improved procedural efficiency and operator confidence.
• Potential for better long-term outcomes in atrial fibrillation management.
The successful completion of India’s first PFA procedure marks the beginning of a transformative chapter in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and will significantly benefit patients seeking advanced rhythm management therapies within our country.
A Milestone for Indian Cardiac Electrophysiology
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. T. S. Kler, a Padma Bhushan recipient, stated that the introduction of Pulse Field Ablation in India represents a major technological leap in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and reflects the commitment of BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute to bringing globally advanced therapies to Indian patients.
The achievement is particularly noteworthy given Dr. Kler’s pioneering contributions to the development of cardiac electrophysiology in India over the last three decades. Widely regarded as one of the founding figures of modern electrophysiology in the country, Dr. Kler was one of the first physicians to establish a Radiofrequency Ablation program in India and the first to create a dedicated Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology in the country in 1993.
He also pioneered several landmark cardiac device implantations in India, including Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD), Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Pacemakers (CRT-P), and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators (CRT-D). His contributions extend beyond India, having introduced Radiofrequency Ablation programs in neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Dr. Kler was also instrumental in establishing the Indian Heart Rhythm Society (IHRS), serving as its Founding President, and played a pivotal role in creating the accredited Electrophysiology Fellowship training framework in India. Through his leadership, mentorship, and academic contributions, he has trained and guided numerous electrophysiologists from India and abroad.
Dr. Jasbir S. Sra congratulated the team at BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute for successfully bringing this cutting-edge technology to India and emphasized that Pulse Field Ablation is rapidly emerging as a global standard for atrial fibrillation ablation due to its unique safety and efficacy profile.
Looking Ahead
The successful introduction of Pulse Field Ablation at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital reinforces India’s growing position as a destination for advanced cardiac care and innovation.
With this landmark procedure, patients suffering from atrial fibrillation now have access to one of the world’s most advanced and promising ablation technologies without the need to travel abroad.
This achievement further strengthens BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute’s reputation as a leading centre of excellence in cardiac electrophysiology and advanced heart rhythm management.
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