KPJ Kluang First Hospital In Southern Region To Perform Farapulse Heart Procedure

JOHOR BAHRU, May 26 (Bernama) -- The KPJ Kluang Specialist Hospital (KPJ Kluang) made history when it became the first hospital in the southern region to successfully perform a FARAPULSE pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedure for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ Healthcare) said the procedure was led by consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Ng Kim Fong, together with the hospital's cardiac electrophysiology team, using FARAPULSE PFA technology.

It added that, unlike conventional ablation methods that use thermal energy, the technology delivers controlled electrical pulses to selectively target abnormal heart tissue while minimising impact on surrounding structures.

"As a minimally invasive approach, PFA may offer clinical advantages for suitable patients, including reduced discomfort, shorter procedure and recovery times, and the potential to reduce certain procedural risks,” it said in a statement today.

The technology, performed by a resident specialist, also reflects continued progress in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders and expands access to advanced heart rhythm treatment under the KPJ Health System (KPJHS), particularly for patients with complex conditions. 

The hospital also became the first private hospital in the region to perform a procedure using the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (S-ICD), thereby strengthening its specialised cardiac services.

The S-ICD is a device used to monitor heart rhythm and deliver therapy in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias. Unlike conventional systems, it is implanted under the skin with no leads placed inside the heart or blood vessels.

Meanwhile, KPJ Healthcare president and managing director Chin Keat Chyuan said the milestone reflected the continued strengthening of specialised cardiac services at the hospital, particularly the expansion of access to advanced heart rhythm treatment within the southern region.

He said the introduction of procedures such as FARAPULSE PFA reflected how hospitals within its network are continuing to strengthen subspecialty capabilities and adopt newer treatment approaches that support more precise and less invasive care for patients.

"Guided by our 'Care for Life’ aspiration, we remain committed to ensuring communities can access advanced specialist treatment close to home while continuing to strengthen clinical excellence across our hospitals,” he said.

Dr Ng, meanwhile, said the PFA supports a more targeted approach in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, whereby the technology enables procedures to be performed with greater precision, while reducing unnecessary impact on surrounding heart tissue.

"As cardiac electrophysiology continues to evolve, these approaches help expand treatment options and support safer, less invasive care for suitable patients,” he said.

As the only private hospital in Kluang equipped with a Catheterisation Laboratory, KPJ Kluang has performed nearly 1,450 cardiac procedures, marking the hospital’s growing experience in cardiovascular interventions and its role in expanding access to specialised cardiac care within the region. 

These milestones also support efforts to reduce the need for patients to travel to major urban centres for advanced cardiac treatment and follow-up care.

-- BERNAMA