A highly specialised procedure to treat irregular heart rhythm was carried out in Malta for the first time last week.

Four patients got the benefit of an “atrial fibrillation ablation”. They would normally have been sent to centres in London or Oxford, Robert Xuereb, Mater Dei Hospital’s cardiology chairman, told The Sunday Times of Malta.

The procedures were carried out by consultants Oscar Aquilina and Mark Sammut with the help of Kim Rajappan, a consultant electrophysiologist and specialist in atrial fibrillation from the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.  They were accompanied by Chris Deguara, principle cardiac physiologist, and a ‘cath lab’ team of specialist allied professionals.

Atrial fibrillation is a relatively common condition that causes the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to beat rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner (fibrillation). This uncoordinated, rapid beating of the atria affects the flow of blood through the heart, causing an irregular pulse and sometimes a sensation of fluttering in the chest.

The most common symptoms during an atrial fibrillation episode include heart palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat), irregular pulse, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, dizziness/light-headedness, fainting and chest pain.

It often leads to repeat hospital admissions for treatment. It also increases the risk of stroke, especially in individuals with other medical problems including diabetes, high blood pressure or a history of stroke and heart attack.

The first atrial fibrillation ablation was carried out on Monday at Mater Dei Hospital. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

However, around 50 per cent of cases present no symptoms whatsoever, Dr Sammut explained.

“The condition is generally detected when patients are receiving treatment for another ailment. Often, we end up seeing patients with atrial fibrillation for the first time when they are admitted after suffering a stroke. And strokes are extremely devastating – for the patients, their families and the system.

“Yet the condition is very simple to detect – GPs just need to check the patient’s pulse. All it takes is 15 seconds. We really wish to increase awareness of the importance of checking the heart rhythm.”

Although the condition is most common among the elderly population, it can also affect patients aged between 20 and 40. Treatment varies according to the type of atrial fibrillation experienced and how severely it troubles the patient. If episodes are mild and not too problematic, doctors may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of any potential complications.

Atrial fibrillation ablation is the treatment of choice in patients whose condition gives them troublesome symptoms and in cases where medications do not work. The procedure was made available in Malta following the purchase of a €200,000 piece of equipment and of consumables which cost around €5,000 to €6,000 per case.

Dr Aquilina said that the procedure takes around two and a half hours and patients are put under general anaesthesia.

Part of the procedure involves recording the electrical activity of the heart to create a “map” of the precise area of heart muscle responsible.

A special catheter is inserted to the heart and radiofrequency current electrically isolates the area so that it does not affect the rest of the organ.