By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 24: Three cardiac specialty teams from Sarawak Heart Centre have successfully performed the first EPi-Sense hybrid ablation procedure in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, marking a major medical milestone for the region and offering new hope to Sarawakians suffering from long-standing irregular heartbeats.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the landmark procedure was carried out on a Sarawakian patient with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), a complex and difficult-to-treat heart rhythm disorder, through a collaborative effort involving cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac anaesthesiologists and cardiac electrophysiology specialists at the public hospital.
“Heartiest congratulations to the cardiothoracic surgical team, the cardiac anaesthesiology team, and the cardiac electrophysiology cardiology team from Sarawak Heart Centre for performing the first EPi-Sense case not only in Malaysia, but in Southeast Asia,” he said in a post shared on his social media on Tuesday (Dec 23).
Dr Sim explained that EPi-Sense is a hybrid ablation approach, also known as the convergent or hybrid method, which combines epicardial and endocardial ablation techniques. Clinical evidence shows this approach delivers better rhythm control outcomes compared to catheter-only ablation, particularly for patients with persistent or long-standing persistent AF.
The hybrid procedure involves two complementary methods: epicardial ablation, where energy is applied from the outside surface of the heart, including left atrial appendage ligation and vein of Marshall ligation; and endocardial catheter ablation, where energy is delivered from inside the heart through catheters inserted via blood vessels.
According to Dr Sim, hybrid ablation with EPi-Sense is specifically intended for patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation—defined as AF lasting continuously for 12 months or more and not responding well to anti-arrhythmic medications.
“It is currently the only minimally invasive hybrid ablation system that has received regulatory approval for treating this challenging condition.
“Clinical studies have shown notably better outcomes with this hybrid approach compared to endocardial-only ablation in these difficult AF cases,” he added.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, paid special tribute to the three specialist teams involved: the electrophysiology cardiology team led by Dr Koh and colleagues, the cardiac surgery team led by Dr Jong and Dr Soon, and the cardiac anaesthesia team led by Dr Hanafi.
“These three different medical specialties came together not just to make it the first in Southeast Asia and the first in Malaysia, but more importantly to help a fellow Sarawakian suffering from irregular heartbeats,” he said.
He also highlighted the dedication and sacrifice of public healthcare professionals, noting that despite being overworked and underpaid, the cardiac electrophysiologists, surgeons and anaesthesiologists continue to make history for Sarawak.
“All these efforts reflect their commitment to playing their roles and doing their part for Sarawak nation-building,” Dr Sim said, expressing his gratitude to every member of the three teams for their contribution to advancing cardiac care in the State. — DayakDaily
