Boston Scientific’s Farapulse has recently gained approval in China for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This marks a significant milestone, as the country’s electrophysiology devices market had limited options earlier with only one pulsed field ablation (PFA) product available. Advancements in pulsed field technology and the introduction of new products in this category are expected to drive China’s electrophysiology ablation market at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent through 2033, forecasts GlobalData.
GlobalData’s report, “Electrophysiology Ablation Catheters Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Procedures and Forecast to 2033,” reveals that China’s electrophysiology ablation market accounts for about 20 per cent of the Asia Pacific market in 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation and the rising demand for minimally invasive procedures.
Jyoti Sharma, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, states, “Given that PFA has shown clinical results with fewer complications than conventional procedures, most clinicians would eventually favour PFA catheters over alternative ablation catheter technologies for therapy. PFA’s accuracy and speed have made it possible to do procedures in less time, which may hasten patient recovery and shorten hospital stays.”
Adding to this enthusiasm, PFA has generated significant excitement in cardiology because, unlike radiofrequency ablation systems, it operates non-thermally. Traditional ablation catheters rely on heat or cold energy, whereas PFA catheter therapy employs short bursts of high energy which generates electric fields and precisely target AFib-affected heart tissues, without affecting the surrounding tissues, potentially reducing complication rates.
It is expected that Medtronic’s PulseSelect will also gain approval in China in the coming years, following its success in Japan. With new launches and approvals of PFA systems in China, PFA technology is set to dominate the electrophysiology market, driving significant changes in market size, and transforming the cardiovascular sector.
Sharma concludes, “PFA technology is already dominating the markets in North America and Europe, and within the next few years, it is set to take the Asia-Pacific region by storm. The rapid adoption of PFA will revolutionise atrial fibrillation treatment, providing patients with safer, more effective options and setting a new standard in cardiovascular care globally.”