Recently, Dr. Donny Yugo Hermanto from the National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita in Indonesia, and Mr. Dede Mulyadi, Vice Minister of Health of Indonesia, visited Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, for academic exchange and clinical observation.

As a leading institution in cardiac electrophysiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital was among the first in China to apply PFA in clinical practice. Over the years, the hospital has developed a safe and efficient workflow and accumulated extensive clinical experience. The Indonesian experts’ visit aimed to observe these practices first-hand and learn from China’s progress in this cutting-edge therapy.

Professor De-Yong Long, Director of the Arrhythmia Center at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and his team shared their expertise through seven live procedures. From theoretical discussion to hands-on clinical application, the delegation gained valuable insights into the practical implementation of PFA.

Professor Long introduced the history and achievements of the hospital’s National Cardiovascular Center, guided the delegation through the electrophysiology labs, and presented the hospital’s patient management system. During the live case observation, the team utilized APT Medical's HT Viewer® 3D Mapping System and PFA system, demonstrating China’s capabilities in electrophysiology device innovation. The AForcePlusTM Force-sensing Focal PFA Catheter design preserved the familiarity of traditional RF ablation techniques while significantly improving efficiency through PFA energy delivery.

Anzhen Hospital’s “2C3L” strategy (dual-circle pulmonary vein isolation plus three linear ablations) has shown excellent compatibility with APT's PFA system, highlighting the emergence of an original, China-specific therapeutic pathway. This approach maintains the advantages of RF-based workflow while enhancing procedural efficiency—achieving bilateral PVI, roof line, and mitral isthmus line ablations in as little as 30 minutes. The additional tricuspid isthmus line further reduces procedural stress in elderly patients. Today, Beijing Anzhen Hospital routinely applies PFA to treat a wide spectrum of complex atrial arrhythmias.

The selective tissue effect and unique energy profile of PFA markedly improve procedural safety, enabling cases to be performed under conscious sedation and reducing the risks associated with traditional RF ablation, such as atrioesophageal fistula and pulmonary vein stenosis. These advantages are expected to drive the development of safer, more outpatient-friendly atrial fibrillation therapies.

Throughout the visit, the Indonesian experts engaged in in-depth discussions with Professor Long’s team on topics such as PFA’s technical features, procedural workflow, strategies for persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF), and troubleshooting intraoperative challenges. Professor Long highlighted that APT's PFA products are highly compatible with the Anzhen 2C3L strategy, offering greater clinical acceptance and effectiveness.

As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has significant demand for arrhythmia treatment. This visit not only highlighted China’s rapid advancements in cardiac electrophysiology but also laid a strong foundation for future collaboration in arrhythmia management. Upholding an open and collaborative spirit, Beijing Anzhen Hospital is committed to sharing clinical expertise and innovative practices, contributing to improved patient outcomes globally. Both sides also reached an initial consensus on establishing long-term exchanges and cooperation through mutual visits.