Abbott's Volt Pulsed Field Ablation Revolutionizes AFib Treatment

New technology uses rapid electrical pulses to target problematic heart cells without damaging healthy tissue.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:19pm

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An ethereal, ghostly X-ray image revealing the delicate internal structure of a human heart, with the outline of the Volt PFA System's balloon-and-spline design glowing softly against the dark background, conceptually illustrating the technology's ability to precisely target and treat irregular heart rhythms.The Volt PFA System's innovative design allows doctors to precisely target problematic heart cells without damaging healthy tissue, revolutionizing the treatment of atrial fibrillation.Jonesboro Today

Abbott's new Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System is changing the way doctors treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder. Unlike traditional thermal ablation methods that use extreme heat or cold, Volt's rapid electrical pulses can precisely target the erratic heart cells causing AFib without harming healthy tissue. This new approach is faster, safer, and allows for quicker patient recovery times compared to previous procedures.

Why it matters

AFib affects about one in four Americans and significantly increases the risk of stroke. Traditional ablation methods can sometimes unintentionally damage healthy heart tissue or nearby organs. The Volt PFA System's precise electrical pulses offer a more targeted solution that could allow doctors to treat AFib earlier, before long-term damage occurs.

The details

The Volt PFA System features a unique balloon-in-basket design with eight flat 'splines' that direct the electrical energy exactly where it needs to go. Doctors like Dr. Devi Nair of St. Bernard's Heart & Vascular Center in Arkansas have already used Volt in real-world cases, finding the procedure is much faster than older methods. Patients also spend less time under anesthesia and can return to their regular lives within just a few days.

  • The Volt PFA System was recently developed by Abbott.
  • The new technology premiered on the Science Channel's 'Tomorrow's World Today' on April 18, 2026.

The players

Dr. Jonathan Piccini

A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist and Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center and DCRI, as well as the Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology section at the Duke Heart Center.

Dr. Christopher Piorkowski

The Divisional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Electrophysiology at Abbott.

Dr. Devi Nair

The Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Division at St. Bernard's Heart & Vascular Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Abbott

A global healthcare company that developed the Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System to treat atrial fibrillation.

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What they’re saying

“AFib is incredibly common—about one in four Americans will develop it in their lifetime. It causes symptoms such as a racing heart, fatigue, and lightheadedness. More importantly, it significantly increases the risk of stroke.”

— Dr. Jonathan Piccini, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center and DCRI

“Volt uses ultra-rapid electrical pulses to target the cells causing the AFib. These pulses are so fast and specific that they can clear out the problematic tissue without hurting the healthy parts of the heart.”

— Dr. Christopher Piorkowski, Divisional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Electrophysiology at Abbott

“The procedure is much faster than old-school methods. Because it's faster, and patients spend less time under anesthesia. Most people are back to their regular lives within just a few days.”

— Dr. Devi Nair, Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Division at St. Bernard's Heart & Vascular Center

What’s next

Doctors hope that with safer and more efficient tools like the Volt PFA System, they will be able to treat AFib earlier, preventing long-term damage before it starts.

The takeaway

Abbott's new Volt Pulsed Field Ablation technology represents a significant advancement in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, offering a faster, safer, and more targeted approach that could transform heart care and allow for earlier intervention to prevent serious complications.