Evolving modalities of atrial fibrillation ablation: From thermal to nonthermal

This topic in review provides an overview of a novel technique for catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation called pulsed field ablation.Pulsed field ablation uses a nonthermal vs thermal (radiofrequency or cryoablation) approach for obtaining myocardial cell death, which is referred to as irreversible electroporation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation via pulmonary vein isolation.This emerging technology delivers microsecond high-voltage electrical fields that may limit damage to tissues outside the myocardium and offers a promising approach to managing atrial fibrillation with shorter procedural times and fewer major complications.The aim of this review is to educate allied health professionals regarding this evolving technology by summarizing the biophysics of irreversible electroporation, clinical evidence supporting pulse field ablation, associated complications, and future applications.