Butler Memorial Hospital expands AFIB treatment with new pulsed field ablation technology

BUTLER, PA, June 17, 2026 —Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital is expanding treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) by offering a new type of cardiac ablation therapy expected to reduce complications and support faster recovery.

Electrophysiologists (heart rhythm specialists) at the hospital are now performing procedures using Abbott’s Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation System, a next-generation technology that treats irregular heart rhythms without using extreme heat or cold.

The first procedures using the system in Pennsylvania were performed in early June at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Keeping expert care local, Independence Health System’s electrophysiology program provides comprehensive care for patients with complex heart rhythm disorders. Patients have access to advanced diagnostic testing and minimally invasive treatment options, provided by a multidisciplinary cardiac care team, guided by evidence based practices and a strong focus on patient safety.

“Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and increase the risk of serious complications, including stroke,” Virginia Singla, M.D., electrophysiologist at Butler Memorial Hospital, said. “Offering pulsed field ablation expands the treatment options available in our community and helps patients return to their daily activities more quickly.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 12 million people in the United States will be living with AFib by 2050. People with AFib face a fivefold increased risk of stroke, making early diagnosis and treatment critical. 

When medication and other treatment options for AFib are unsuccessful, many patients rely on cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive procedure used to restore normal heart rhythm.  Pulsed field ablation is an alternative to traditional thermal ablation. Instead, pulsed field ablation uses high-energy electrical pulses, rather than extreme temperatures, to target the cardiac tissue responsible for causing AFib while reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. 

Symptoms of AFib can include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest discomfort, according to the American Heart Association. Some people may not experience symptoms, which is why routine check-ups with a healthcare provider remain important.

For more information about the award-winning cardiology services offered at Independence Health System, visit www.independence.health.

About Independence Health System 

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.

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References

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

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