Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has become the first hospital in Malaysia to introduce Abbott’s VOLT™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System, expanding treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) through a minimally invasive procedure.
The national heart centre said the next-generation cardiac ablation technology is designed to deliver more precise treatment by selectively targeting abnormal heart tissue while reducing the risk of injury to surrounding structures. The move strengthens IJN’s electrophysiology capabilities and broadens access to advanced treatment for patients with complex heart rhythm disorders.
AFib is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, causing the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
Unlike conventional thermal ablation, the VOLT™ PFA System uses high-energy electrical pulses to isolate abnormal electrical signals in the heart. Its balloon-in-basket catheter is designed to improve energy delivery while reducing the need for repeated catheter repositioning, helping improve procedural efficiency.
Clinical data from Abbott’s VOLT CE Mark study showed the system achieved pulmonary vein isolation in 99.1% of treated veins while requiring fewer energy applications than comparable PFA systems.
The technology also allows suitable patients to undergo the procedure under conscious sedation instead of general anaesthesia, depending on clinical assessment, while reducing radiation exposure through lower fluoroscopy use.
IJN Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Head of Electrophysiology and Implantable Cardiac Devices Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin said the system gives physicians greater precision and flexibility in treating AFib patients.
“The ability to achieve effective pulmonary vein isolation with fewer therapy applications helps improve procedural efficiency while supporting durable treatment outcomes,” he said, adding that the technology complements existing ablation methods by giving clinicians more treatment options based on individual patient needs.
IJN Group Chief Executive Officer Prof Datuk Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said the introduction of the VOLT™ PFA System reflects the institute’s continued investment in clinically proven technologies that improve patient care.
“Being the first hospital in Malaysia to introduce the VOLT™ PFA System strengthens our ability to provide safer, more precise and minimally invasive treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation,” he said.
Chief Clinical Officer Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya said the technology expands IJN’s range of treatment options while supporting greater precision, procedural efficiency and patient-centred care.
The introduction of the VOLT™ PFA System reinforces IJN’s position as a leading cardiovascular centre in the region as it continues to adopt advanced technologies to improve outcomes for patients with heart rhythm disorders.
