PFA in APAC, from Promise to Practice
Insights from electrophysiologists on the evolving role of pulsed field ablation across Asia-Pacific
View ReportElectrophysiologists (EPs) across Asia Pacific (APAC) see pulsed field ablation (PFA) as a transformative advancement in atrial fibrillation (AFib) care, with broader adoption expected to accelerate in the coming years.
As clinical confidence grows, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen referral pathways, patient engagement, system readiness and collaboration across the care continuum to improve the quality and equity of AFib care across the region.
Looking ahead, EPs envision a future where PFA innovation enables earlier AFib intervention, expands ablation options and ensures better clinical outcomes and quality of life for more patients.
Insight1EPs recognize the clinical value of PFA
Said PFA offers shorter procedure
Observed higher patient satisfaction
Described the learning curve as easier than other ablation approaches
What does this mean?
PFA's value is increasingly reflected in clinical practice. EPs associate PFA with procedural efficiency, procedural confidence and positive patient experiences, reinforcing its potential role in future rhythm-control strategies.
Insight2Despite strong clinical recognition, EPs said that PFA adoption remains inconsistent due to multifaceted barriers
Reported fewer than half of eligible patients are referred within one year of diagnosis
Said patient fear or limited AFib understanding delays treatment decisions
Cited limited financial support or reimbursement as a barrier for some patients
What does this mean?
Strong clinician confidence in PFA is not yet consistently reflected in routine practice. Opportunities remain to strengthen referral pathways, patient engagement, system readiness and access to help more patients benefit from innovation.
Insight3EPs identified four key enablers needed to support broader and more confident PFA adoption
Highlighted long-term efficacy and durability evidence as a key enabler
Said referral pathway optimization would improve access and uptake
Called for stronger collaboration across clinicians, healthcare systems and industry
Emphasized guideline implementation as an important driver of adoption
What does this mean?
Successful integration of PFA depends not only on technology but also on evidence generation, care pathway optimization, education, collaboration and supportive healthcare systems.
Insight4EPs envisioned a future where PFA plays a more prominent role in AFib patient management
Expect PFA to become their preferred ablation modality within two years
Project increased first-line ablation use for paroxysmal AFib
Anticipate broader application in persistent AFib
Foresee earlier intervention in asymptomatic or early-stage AFib
What does this mean?
EPs envision a future where innovation supports earlier intervention, broader treatment options and more proactive management of AFib across the patient journey.
Five priorities for collective action, co-created with EPs
Shift AFib care from reactive treatment to earlier and proactive multidisciplinary care
Support earlier and wider use of rhythm-control strategies and ablation where appropriate, helping patients access specialist care and intervention before disease progression.
Strengthen guideline implementation and workflow integration within existing care pathways
Promote consistent understanding and application across the AFib care and ablation pathway.
Improve awareness, health literacy and patient empowerment
Support informed discussions and shared decision-making so patients can engage confidently in their care journey.
Enable timely and value-based reimbursement to support equitable access
Advance access frameworks that recognize clinical outcomes, patient experience and broader healthcare system value.
Strengthen end-to-end collaboration with EPs in informing medical technology innovators
Deepen collaboration between EPs and innovators to ensure future technologies remain aligned with real-world clinical needs.
About the report
This infographic is based on findings from the report, PFA in APAC, From Promise to Practice report, which captures EP perspectives on the evolving role of PFA in AFib care. Commissioned by Boston Scientific and informed by survey participation of 137 practicing EPs across Australia, China, Japan and South Korea, the report explores clinicians’ experiences, perspectives and future visions for PFA, highlighting its clinical value, implementation challenges, key enablers for broader adoption and opportunities to advance patient care across the region.
Access the full PFA in APAC, from Promise to Practice report.
New regional report exploring the evolving role of PFA in AFib management
This report brings together insights from EPs across Australia, China, Japan and South Korea to examine the evolving landscape of AFib management and the expanding role of PFA in APAC.
Drawing on regional survey data, EP interviews and existing literature, the report highlights current practice realities, including EPs confidence levels in PFA, perceived adoption gaps and enablers, and a forward‑looking view of how ablation therapies may evolve in the region.
The report also outlines recommendations to enhance rhythm-control strategies, strengthen system readiness and promote broader patient access and cross-sector collaboration for sustainable AFib care.
Disclaimer
The content in the report is provided for healthcare professionals only.
Certain indications or procedures referenced may not be approved, licensed, or available in all countries or regions. Regulatory status, approved indications, and availability vary by country, and viewers should consult local approved product labeling, instructions for use, and applicable regulatory approvals.
Healthcare professionals must exercise their own independent clinical judgment when evaluating patients and selecting treatment options. Boston Scientific does not promote or encourage the use of its devices outside their approved labeling or local regulatory approvals. No content on this channel should be interpreted as an endorsement of any specific treatment approach for any individual patient.
References to third-party publications are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement by Boston Scientific. While reasonable efforts have been made to accurately present information from cited third-party sources, the accuracy and currency of such materials remain the responsibility of their respective authors and/or publishers.
A total of 137 EPs participated in a double-blinded survey, and five EPs participated in individual non-blinded interviews.