Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in a Patient with an Artificial Heart

A new world-first medical achievement at La Rabta Hospital in Tunisia

In an unprecedented medical breakthrough, Tunisia has once again proven its excellence in healthcare. On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the medical teams at La Rabta University Hospital achieved a world first by successfully performing a complex operation to treat cardiac arrhythmia in a patient with an artificial heart. This feat, praised by the Ministry of Health, strengthens Tunisia's reputation as a leader in medical innovation.

A first-of-its-kind operation to treat arrhythmia

The procedure, led by Professor Mohamed Sami Mourali, head of the adult cardiology department at La Rabta Hospital, consisted of the ablation of the atrial arrhythmia (or atrial fibrillation) in a patient suffering from severe heart failure and fitted with an artificial heart. This delicate operation was carried out using cutting-edge technology called electroporation (or “Electroporation”), an innovative method that uses electrical pulses to target and eliminate the cardiac tissue responsible for rhythm disorders.

Electroporation, although already used in other medical fields, had never before been applied in such a complex context. This technique, less invasive than traditional methods, reduces the risk of complications and speeds up the patient's recovery. The success of this operation opens the way to new prospects for the treatment of arrhythmias, particularly in patients with artificial cardiac devices.

A medical collaboration of excellence

This success is the fruit of close collaboration between several Tunisian specialists. Professor Sana Ouali, an expert in rhythmology, and her team from the cardiac rhythm modulation unit played a key role in planning and carrying out this procedure. Their expertise, combined with that of Professor Mourali, made it possible to overcome the technical challenges posed by the presence of the artificial heart.

The Ministry of Health wished to praise the commitment and professionalism of all the medical, paramedical and pharmaceutical teams involved in this operation. This achievement demonstrates the ability of Tunisia's public sector to compete with the best international medical centers.

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Worldwide recognition for Tunisia

This medical success once again puts Tunisia in the spotlight on the international stage. Indeed, this world first shows that the country has not only the skills needed to perform highly technical procedures, but also an infrastructure capable of supporting cutting-edge medical innovation.

La Rabta Hospital, already recognized for its advances in cardiology, thus confirms its status as a benchmark in the field. This achievement is part of a broader drive to modernize the Tunisian healthcare system, which aims to provide quality care while strengthening research and innovation.

Hope for patients around the world

Beyond its technical aspect, this operation represents immense hope for patients suffering from complex heart conditions. People fitted with artificial hearts, who often face complications such as arrhythmia, will now be able to benefit from this new therapeutic approach.

In conclusion, this world first achieved at La Rabta Hospital is a source of pride for Tunisia and a giant step for cardiac medicine. It perfectly illustrates how innovation, collaboration and expertise can turn medical challenges into resounding successes. Tunisia thus continues to write its history in the golden book of global medical advances.