Pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation with a balloon-in-basket system under conscious sedation: A retrospective feasibility and safety analysis

Heart Rhythm 2026 Open access

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Authors: Roos Eline Bolhuis, Isabelle N. Bax, Vincent F. van Dijk, Jippe C. Balt, Maurits C.E.F. Wijffels, Lucas V.A. Boersma, Max Liebregts
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.02.011
Cited by: 2
References: 2

Abstract

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has advantages over thermal ablation, including shorter procedure times and improved safety. A limitation of PFA, however, has been the need for general anesthesia or deep sedation (DS) because of nociceptive stimulation and skeletal muscle recruitment associated with most PFA systems.1 Recently, a new balloon-in-basket PFA system (VOLT, Abbott) became available, reportedly associated with reduced pain perception and less patient movement during applications.2

Fields of Study & Subjects

Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments Microbial Inactivation Methods

Publication details

Journal / source
Heart Rhythm
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
23
Issue
8
Pages
e1706–e1708
Publication date
17 February 2026
Language
EN