New technology for treating atrial fibrillation enhances cardiac care at the MUHC
Safer and faster procedures may improve recovery times, enhance the patient experience and increase access to treatment
The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) continues to drive innovation in cardiac care with the introduction of a next-generation, minimally invasive catheter for a more efficient treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Dr. Atul Verma, Director of the MUHC Division of Cardiology, successfully performed the first clinical case using the Abbott Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) Catheter on May 26, 2026, having also played a leading role in its development.
“We are committed to ensuring our patients have access to the latest advancements in cardiovascular care,” says Dr. Atul Verma, also Scientist in the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan (CHAL) Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute). “The introduction of this new device reinforces the MUHC’s position as a leader in the adoption and evaluation of cutting-edge electrophysiology technologies.”
The new catheter is a novel steerable catheter featuring an inflatable balloon surrounded by eight electrodes. During the procedure, the catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart. When the balloon inflates, it presses the electrodes outward to conform perfectly to the heart's anatomy and delivers precisely controlled electrical pulses that selectively target cardiac tissue responsible for abnormal heart rhythms, while minimizing damage to adjacent structures such as the esophagus, phrenic nerve and pulmonary veins. The treated tissues then stop conducting abnormal electrical signals.
This new technology is designed to improve the procedure workflow. Faster procedure times and shorter recovery periods may help improve access to care and reduce waiting lists for patients requiring AF ablation.
“The procedure is very well tolerated, and patients can typically return home quickly after treatment,” adds Dr. Verma. “This technology has the potential to significantly improve the patient experience while optimizing healthcare resources.”
A common but serious condition
Atrial fibrillation affects millions of people worldwide and is particularly common among older adults. The condition occurs when the heart’s electrical signals become disorganized, causing the heart to beat irregularly and often rapidly. AF can significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
While antiarrhythmic medications can help manage symptoms, many patients eventually require catheter ablation procedures to eliminate the tissue responsible for triggering abnormal electrical activity.
For many years, catheter ablation relied on radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy, which uses heat or extreme cold to destroy targeted heart tissue. Although effective, these thermal approaches may unintentionally affect nearby structures surrounding the heart.
Over the past several years, the MUHC has worked closely with academic and industry partners to evaluate and implement promising new technologies for patients with arrhythmias. The arrival of the new catheter marks another important step in the MUHC’s mission to provide world-class, patient-centred cardiovascular care.
Access to this new technology was made possible by a generous donation to the Montreal General Hospital Foundation.
“Thanks to the visionary generosity of the Robert Elvidge Family Foundation, which funded the specialized catheters required to operate this new technology, the Montreal General Hospital Foundation is proud to support Dr. Atul Verma and his team at the MGH-MUHC as they begin treating patients with this equipment, a Canadian first. This initiative powerfully reflects our mission: to inspire the philanthropic community to invest in transformative initiatives, conceived and guided by our medical leaders, that have a significant impact on patient lives. We are deeply grateful to the Robert Elvidge Family Foundation for helping make this advancement possible”, says Brian Thompson, President and CEO of the Montreal General Hospital Foundation.