- Abbott’s Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System has been used for the first time in Canada at McGill University Health Centre in Montreal to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- The next-generation system features a distinctive balloon-in-basket catheter designed to improve tissue contact and deliver targeted energy with fewer catheter exchanges and reduced radiation exposure during ablation procedures.
- Health Canada authorized Volt in April 2026 based on the VOLT-AF IDE study of 392 patients across 40 centres, demonstrating safety and effectiveness in patients with both paroxysmal and persistent AFib.
- Integrated with Abbott’s EnSite X EP System, Volt is designed to support precise 3D cardiac mapping, fewer therapy applications and conscious sedation as an alternative to general anesthesia, potentially improving procedural efficiency and patient recovery.
Takeaways:
The first Canadian use of Abbott’s Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System at McGill University Health Centre marks the start of commercial adoption of a next‑generation AFib therapy that combines a balloon‑in‑basket catheter with 3D mapping via the EnSite X EP System. By enabling targeted ablation with fewer catheter exchanges, less radiation and the option of conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia, Volt can improve procedural efficiency and recovery, helping Abbott gain early‑mover advantage in Canada’s rapidly growing PFA segment as centres look to upgrade from older thermal ablation technologies.
Source: Abbott
