UnityPoint Health-Trinity heart experts first in the QC to use new AFib technology

UnityPoint Health - Trinity Heart Center has become the first health system in the Quad Cities to use a new FDA-approved technology to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of heart rhythm disorder, a news release says.

Electrophysiologists and care teams at Trinity Heart Center performed the first successful
pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedure using Abbott’s Volt PFA System on Sept. 3 at Trinity Heart Center in Rock Island.

“We’re proud to offer another advanced treatment option for patients with AFib, allowing them to receive leading-edge heart care close to home,” says Kathy Pulley, director of cardiology services at UnityPoint Health – Trinity. “Bringing innovative technologies like this to our community reflects our commitment to providing the highest level of heart care while continuing to lead the way in heart health across the region.”

Trinity Heart Center is the first in the region to use Abbott’s Volt PFA system. While the Volt system is new to the organization, Trinity Heart Center has been performing pulsed field ablation procedures since April 2024, when it became the first in the Quad Cities to offer the treatment.

Pulsed field ablation uses high-energy electrical pulses to ablate the heart tissue causing irregular heart rhythms without using excess heat or cold, which has the potential to damage
surrounding tissue. Designed to fit each patient's heart anatomy, the Volt system allows physicians to map and treat abnormal heart rhythms with a single catheter, reducing procedure
time.

"The growing use of PFA technology is delivering encouraging results for patients with AFib," says Mark Shen, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiologist at UnityPoint Health – Trinity.
"One of its greatest advantages is its ability to precisely target the tissue causing the abnormal heart rhythm while minimizing effects on nearby structures. By using an innovative balloon design, this system conforms naturally to the heart's anatomy, allowing us to treat targeted
areas more efficiently and predictably, often leading to quicker procedure times. For many
patients, that means improved AFib symptoms and better quality of life."

AFib affects an estimated 10.5 million Americans and increases the risk of stroke, heart
failure, and death, if left untreated. For more information, visit here.

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