FISHERSVILLE, VIRGINIA — Glenn Brammer, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiologist at Augusta Health, is now offering the Abbott Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation System, an advanced treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

“Atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmias negatively impact the lives of millions in the United States and around the world. Beyond the daily strain it can cause through shortness of breath, dizziness and chest pain; patients with untreated arrhythmias are at an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. The growing adoption of pulsed field ablation technology delivers promise to these patients, and Abbott’s state-of-the-art system overcomes previous limitations with earlier generation PFA technologies,” said Christopher Piorkowski, M.D., chief medical officer of Abbott’s electrophysiology business.

About 12 million people in the United States over age 65 have AFib, and this number is expected to double in the next 20 years. People with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke, and AFib has been a leading or contributing cause of death in the U.S. for over 20 years ii. When medications and other treatments do not work, many patients turn to cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that can correct irregular heart rhythms.

“Every ablation represents a patient trusting our team with their heart health,” said Dr. Brammer. “This milestone reflects not only the adoption of innovative technology, but the commitment of our entire care team to providing patients with advanced treatment options and the best possible experience right here in our community.”

Doctors around the world are using pulsed field ablation technology more often to improve care for patients. Unlike thermal ablation, which has been the standard for treating AFib for many years, pulsed field ablation uses high-energy electrical pulses instead of extreme heat or cold to safely target the heart tissue causing AFib. This method lowers the risk of harming nearby tissues compared to thermal ablation.

“A healthy heart is key to a healthy life. At Augusta Health,we are excited to offer this new ablation system. Our goal is to help patients manage difficult arrhythmias so they can return to the activities they love,” said Kris Doan, MBA, FACHE, President of Augusta Medical Group.

The launch builds on a year of continued advancement for Augusta Health’s cardiovascular program, including performing its 250th Pulse Select pulsed field ablation procedure, completing more than 300 CathWorks procedures, earning initial CathPCI Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology, and receiving its 30-year IAC Vascular Accreditation recognition.

References

ⁱ CDC. Atrial Fibrillation Fact Sheet.  https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm, 8 Sept. 2020. Accessed 19 Sept. 2020.

ⁱⁱ CDC. About Atrial Fibrillation. About Atrial Fibrillation | Heart Disease | CDC, 8 Oct. 2025. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.