Dr Anthony Li pioneers new treatment : pulsed field ablation (PFA) for atrial fibrillation at st georges hospital, london
Dr Anthony Li – Leading London Cardiologist gives expert interviews to the British media on Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA)
Dr Anthony Li is a highly regarded consultant cardiologist in London with a special interest in heart rhythm disorders, patient advocacy, and accessible heart health information. He has been interviewed multiple times for the British Heart Foundation’s magazine Heart Matters and has recently taken part in a national media campaign to highlight the success of his involvement in pioneering treatment pulsed field ablation (PFA). He is now able to bring this new treatment across his private practices.
Dr Anthony Li, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist
Dr Li’s opinion on Pulsed Field Ablation
Dr Anthony Li said: “We’re proud to be leading the way in this field and contributing to vital research.
“PFA is much better for our patients than other methods – it’s faster, it’s safer, and the recovery is quicker. And of course, this has an impact on driving down our waiting lists, ensuring other people get earlier access to much-needed treatments and care.”
Treating AF
Atrial fibrillation is the common heart rhythm problem in the UK, and not only can cause fatigue and dizziness, but also increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. For some, symptoms are barely noticeable and for others, are completely debilitating and has a hugely detrimental impact on quality of life.
Traditional ablation procedures to target the areas of the heart where atrial fibrillation arises from come with complications which, although uncommon, are potentially serious.
Doctors at St George’s Hospital, however, have been using a new technique called Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), which uses thousands of electrical pulses every second to silence areas of the heart causing abnormal signals. By using PFA as a new technique, Dr Li is able to reduce the potential complications for his patients - offering a peace mind of mind and and all round improved experience for his patients.
Patient Experience
Prior to the PFA procedure, Elizabeth struggled with low energy, fatigue, and breathlessness – but has now been able to enjoy life again.
“I had the utmost confidence in Dr Li making this a success, and felt like I was in extremely good hands,” she said.
“I don’t remember how long the procedure was, obviously. But I’ve been told it’s between an hour and two hours. When I woke up, I cried. Not from pain, but just relief.
“What struck me most of all was how incredible the technology is, that they can go in through your groin and get to your heart with such accuracy, using pulses instead of heat or freezing. The team was fantastic. You could tell they knew exactly what they were doing.
“I thought to myself: ‘this is the future.’ And I was very lucky to be a part of it.
“I cannot praise St George’s Hospital and the technology used in my treatment highly enough. To go from dancing in a field to nearly dying, to dancing again at my daughter’s wedding, that’s full circle. The technology is incredible. The care was amazing. I’m just so grateful.”