Mater Private Network Cork has become one of the first hospitals in Ireland, and the first in Munster, to use dual-energy ablation to treat ventricular arrhythmias.
These abnormal heart rhythms arise in the lower chambers of the heart and, in serious cases, can lead to cardiac arrest.
The Cork procedure comes just months after the first reported human use of dual-energy technology for a ventricular arrhythmia in January 2026, making Mater Private Cork an early adopter of the emerging approach.
Ventricular arrhythmias can be difficult to treat because the abnormal electrical signals may originate deep within the heart muscle or in challenging locations. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation, which uses heat to target the tissue causing the abnormal rhythm, is an established treatment.
Dual-energy ablation allows cardiologists to switch between radiofrequency and pulsed field energy during the same procedure, rather than relying on a single type of energy.
Dr Pauriah said: “Ventricular arrhythmias can be among the more challenging heart rhythm disorders we treat. The abnormal electrical activity can come from different areas of the heart and the best approach can depend on the location and type of tissue we are treating. Having two forms of energy available means we can choose the approach best suited to what we find.
“For patients, it gives us more options when treating these complex heart rhythms. It also means selected patients can access this specialist treatment in Cork rather than travelling further afield or overseas for care.”
The procedure used Johnson & Johnson’s Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH™ SF technology, alongside 3D cardiac mapping to pinpoint the source of the abnormal electrical activity.