- Researchers are reporting that light therapy known as optogenetics may be useful in treating atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- They say the treatment quickly restored a regular heart rhythm to rats affected by AFib.
- Experts say the findings are interesting, but they aren’t sure light therapy will replace the current treatments for AFib.
Optogenetics – using light to control cells – could treat atrial fibrillation, according to a
In their research, scientists used optogenetics to modify targeted cells in rats to restore a regular rhythm to hearts affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Based on the response, the researchers reported that the technique could fully penetrate the atrial wall in humans to treat the heart condition.
They said this approach would offer a shock-free option for treating AFib or irregular or rapid heart rate. Once a physician completed the treatment, the researchers said, the heart would return to its regular rhythm immediately.
“The idea of using genetics to force express cardiac ion channels and using a light source to terminate AFib is quite remarkable,” said Dr. Aseem Desai, FHRS, an electrophysiologist at Providence Mission Hospital and the co-director of Mission Heritage Heart Rhythm Specialists in California who was not involved in the study.
“This study is mainly about proof of concept, not clinical application currently,” Desai told Medical News Today. “The study has two claims: 1) optogenetic cardioversion of AFib is possible in rat atria that have undergone negative remodeling that would be typically seen in AFib patients, and 2) the irradiation levels required for AF termination in the rat model can also penetrate human atrial tissue outside the body (ex vivo).”
This light-based technology is a long way off from being used in mainstream medicine.
“It is exciting from a scientific standpoint and as a proof of concept, but it is hard to envision it in a medical…
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