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THE National Heart Institute (IJN) has taken a landmark step in cardiovascular care, becoming the first hospital in Asia to adopt the Affera™ Prism-2 Mapping and Ablation System with the Sphere-9™ Catheter for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
The pioneering move positions IJN at the forefront of heart rhythm innovation in the region.
The Affera™ Prism-2 system brings together sophisticated cardiac mapping software and dual-energy ablation technology in a single, integrated platform.
This combination enables cardiologists to tackle complex arrhythmias with greater precision and flexibility, while streamlining procedures and maintaining high clinical safety standards.
The Sphere-9™ catheter, which integrates both mapping and treatment functions, reduces the need for multiple specialised instruments.
Its dual-energy capability delivers thermal radiofrequency and non-thermal pulsed field energy, allowing doctors to selectively target abnormal cardiac tissue while safeguarding surrounding structures.
The technology can be tailored to each patient’s clinical and anatomical needs, supporting more accurate and individualised treatment strategies.
Atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder globally, affects more than 60 million people and occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly.
Left untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, repeated hospital admissions, and a substantial reduction in quality of life.
IJN Chief Executive Officer Prof Datuk Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib (pic) said on Thursday: “Becoming the first hospital in Asia to clinically utilise the Affera™ Prism-2 system is a significant milestone for IJN.
“This reflects our commitment to bringing the latest heart treatments to Malaysians, in line with global standards.
“This advancement allows us to offer patients a more precise treatment approach, supported by strong clinical safety data.
“More importantly, it ensures patients with complex heart rhythm conditions have access to safer, more advanced treatment options here at home, without needing to seek care overseas.”
From a clinical perspective, the introduction of the integrated Prism-2 platform strengthens IJN’s capacity to manage complex arrhythmia cases.
Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director of Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices at IJN Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin said: “Atrial fibrillation often becomes more difficult to treat as it progresses.
“The integration of advanced mapping software with dual-energy ablation technology allows us to personalise treatment for each patient more effectively.
“Ultimately, this improves outcomes and offers renewed hope for individuals living with persistent heart rhythm disorders.”
This milestone reinforces IJN’s role as a regional referral centre for advanced electrophysiology procedures and underscores its ongoing commitment to introducing internationally recognised medical innovations in Malaysia.
As the nation’s leading cardiac institute, IJN continues to ensure that patients have access to the most advanced treatments, supported by expert clinicians and world-class facilities.
Established in 1992, IJN is Malaysia’s only heart specialist facility dedicated solely to cardiology, paediatric cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery.
It is among the largest medical institutions in the country and has treated more than five million patients.
Over three decades, the institute has gained a reputation as one of the region’s premier centres for cardiovascular and thoracic care, keeping pace with evolving medical advances, from routine heart surgeries to complex heart and lung transplants.
As Southeast Asia’s largest cardiac centre, IJN is expanding both locally and regionally, building on a brand synonymous with excellence in heart healthcare. - February 26, 2026