Pulsed Field Ablation: Disrupting the Cardiac Ablation Market in 2025

The global cardiac ablation devices market is witnessing a significant transformation thanks to the emergence of pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology. Since its introduction in 2021, PFA has been rapidly changing the way atrial fibrillation (AFib) is treated, providing an alternative to traditional methods like radiofrequency (RF) and cryoablation. This innovative technology is now driving growth in the pulsed field ablation market, which is expected to see rapid expansion over the next few years.

A New Era for Cardiac Ablation with Pulsed Field Ablation

PFA uses non-thermal electroporation to selectively target myocardial cells while sparing non-cardiac tissue, offering several advantages over traditional ablation techniques. This technology significantly reduces procedure times—by 30% to 50%—resulting in better cost-efficiency and improved patient outcomes. Clinical data supports the notion that PFA may eventually match or even exceed the effectiveness of RF and cryoablation. However, the real test will come over the long term, with durability data after three to five years being critical in comparing PFA with the established techniques.

Currently, the global pulsed field ablation market stands at $1 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.2%, reaching $4.1 billion by 2029. This growth trajectory signals the rapid adoption of PFA technology, especially in the treatment of AFib. However, while the market for traditional RF and cryoablation devices continues to grow, PFA is expected to gradually take a larger share, potentially outpacing other ablation technologies by 2030.

Competitive Landscape: Major Players and Shifting Market Share

One of the most notable developments in the pulsed field ablation market is the rise of Boston Scientific, which has doubled its market share from 2023 to 2024. This growth follows its aggressive pursuit of PFA technology and its entry into the market with its own PFA system. As a result, Boston Scientific is now one of the top competitors in the space, challenging long-standing market leaders such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson’s Biosense Webster.

However, the path has not been easy for all players. Biosense Webster, for example, has faced delays and technical challenges with its PFA system, resulting in a contraction of its market share. Despite this, it is expected that with continued development and regulatory approvals, J&J and other major players will be able to carve out their space in the PFA market.

The Road Ahead for Pulsed Field Ablation

While the pulsed field ablation market has made great strides in a short period, there are still several hurdles to overcome. New indications for PFA are a major focus for developers, with ongoing studies aimed at expanding its use in persistent and long-standing AFib cases. Moreover, PFA is being explored for other conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia and atrial flutter.

One of the key trends driving the growth of the PFA market is the increasing integration of combination devices. These hybrid solutions, which combine mapping and hybrid energy delivery, are expected to enhance the efficacy of treatments and streamline the overall procedure. However, the widespread adoption of PFA is still contingent on updates to AFib management guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology.

While PFA has garnered attention for its potential, its uptake has been slower in certain regions due to cost concerns and the capital investments required for its implementation. As the technology becomes more established and the training curve flattens, the hope is that the adoption rate will accelerate, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Emerging Players in Pulsed Field Ablation

The pulsed field ablation market is witnessing the entry of several innovative companies that are developing next-generation systems to address the unmet needs in the field of cardiac arrhythmia treatment. Here are a few emerging players to watch:

1. Argá Medtech SA: This company is developing the Coherent Sine-burst Electroporation (CSE) system, which uses a proprietary PFA generator and catheter to offer more efficient, safer, and faster treatment for cardiac arrhythmias.
2. LuxMed Systems: Known for its optically enabled ablation catheters, LuxMed Systems is advancing technology that helps electrophysiologists assess heart tissue composition in real time, significantly enhancing the precision of ablation procedures.
3. Field Medical: Field Medical focuses on developing systems that incorporate PFA, electromagnetic localization, contact force sensing, and AI-based mapping to improve the efficacy and precision of PFA treatments.

These companies are leveraging cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pulsed field ablation, and their innovations will continue to shape the future of the market.

The Future of Pulsed Field Ablation

The pulsed field ablation market is still in its early stages, but it has already shown significant promise. With the global market projected to grow rapidly over the next five years, PFA has the potential to become the dominant technique for cardiac ablation. While traditional RF and cryoablation systems will continue to be important, the rise of PFA signals a shift toward more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-friendly treatments.

As the technology continues to develop and the clinical evidence supporting PFA grows, it is likely that the adoption of this technique will become more widespread. For medtech companies looking to invest in PFA, the opportunity is clear: those that can innovate and integrate seamlessly with existing systems and workflows will be well-positioned for long-term success.

For deeper insights into the pulsed field ablation market, including emerging companies and the latest trends, LSI’s Compass platform provides detailed market data, competitive intelligence, and analysis to help executives and investors stay ahead in this fast-evolving space.