HCA UK becomes first and only independent healthcare provider to introduce Medtronic’s Affera™ Mapping and Ablation System

• HCA UK introduces the Affera™ system for advanced atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation at The Harley Street Clinic.
• Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is the latest and safest cardiac ablation technology with energy delivered specifically to heart tissue, avoiding damage to structures outside the heart.
• The Affera system offers mapping, ablation and validation with just a single ablation catheter and can also deliver radiofrequency ablation (RFA) where needed.
• The system is designed to offer high-resolution 3D mapping, shorten procedure time and supports enhanced patient experience with quicker recovery time. 

HCA Healthcare UK (HCA UK) is the first and only independent provider in the UK to invest in Medtronic’s Affera™ Mapping and Ablation System at The Harley Street Clinic.

The introduction of the technology further strengthens HCA UK’s market leading cardiac offering, expanding its electrophysiology capabilities and providing access to the latest technology for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other complex arrhythmias. 

Affera joins HCA UK’s comprehensive suite of advanced pulsed field ablation platforms including Medtronic’s PulseSelect, Boston Scientific’s Farapulse, and J&J’s Varipulse - enabling clinicians to select the technology best suited to each individual case, supporting personalised and effective patient care.

This development also forms part of HCA UK’s £10 million investment to upgrade two of its catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) based at The Harley Street Clinic. The new state-of-the-art facilities are purpose built for minimally invasive and interventional radiology procedures. Equipped with the latest real time imaging technology for precision interventions, the upgrade includes extensive digital and structural modernisation.

What is the Affera™ Mapping and Ablation System?

The Affera system combines high-density electro-anatomical mapping with both pulsed field (PF) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation, delivered through the Sphere-9™ catheter.
This integrated platform enables clinicians to perform mapping, ablation and lesion validation with a single catheter, reducing procedural steps, enhancing safety and giving doctors the ability to switch between PFA and RF during procedures with only a single catheter. 

The system facilitates:

• Shorter overall procedure times supporting a higher rate of same-day discharge.
• Strong safety and effectiveness, with positive outcomes and a low rate of complications.
• Full shaft visualisation enhancing catheter guidance and alignment.

Dr Oliver Segal, leading Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at The Harley Street Clinic (part of HCA UK), commented: “The introduction of the Affera system represents an important development in how we deliver ablation for atrial fibrillation. 

“Having a system that allows high-density mapping, pulsed field ablation (PFA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) through a single transseptal access means we can provide faster, safer and more effective procedures for patients. It gives us the ability to switch between PFA and RFA in a single procedure, where required. The addition of the Affera technology significantly enhances our ability to treat complex arrhythmias and strengthens the wider electrophysiology service across HCA UK.”

John Reay, President and CEO at HCA Healthcare UK adds: “Our investment in the Affera platform reflects our commitment to providing the most advanced and comprehensive cardiac care in the independent sector."

“By expanding our electrophysiology services and upgrading our cath labs, we’re giving clinicians the technology to provide safer, faster and more effective care for people with complex arrhythmias. This means our patients can access new treatment options from world leading experts when they need them most.”

HCA UK’s investment in the Affera platform aligns with its broader programme to expand minimally invasive cardiac treatment options across its network of hospitals. The upgraded cath labs support a full range of electrophysiology and interventional cardiology activity and will enable wider adoption of advanced ablation techniques as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to clinical innovation.

Find out more about catheter ablation at HCA UK: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/services/treatments/catheter-ablation-therapy-for-arrhythmia