Piedmont Cartersville performs first Pulse Field Ablation for atrial fibrillation

Cartersville, Ga. (May 26, 2026) – Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center has reached another major milestone in advancing heart care, successfully performing its first Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) procedure to treat atrial fibrillation.

The procedure was completed by the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab team in collaboration with Dr. Amier Ahmad of Heart and Vascular Clinic, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced electrophysiology services in Northwest Georgia.

Pulse Field Ablation is an innovative technology that uses short bursts of electrical energy to create microscopic pores in heart cells. This process selectively destroys the abnormal tissue responsible for arrhythmias while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The approach represents a new generation of treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation, one of the most common cardiac rhythm disorders worldwide.

“This achievement reflects our team’s commitment to bringing the latest, most advanced cardiac treatments to our community,” said Beth Byrne, BSN, RN, Manager of the Cardiac Cath Lab at Piedmont Cartersville. “Through months of preparation, training, and collaboration, our physicians and staff have worked together to ensure we can safely offer this leading-edge therapy close to home for our patients.”

Historically, patients requiring complex electrophysiology procedures such as atrial fibrillation ablations often had to travel to larger metropolitan hospitals for care. With the addition of Pulse Field Ablation at Piedmont Cartersville, patients can now receive this specialized treatment locally-allowing them to remain near their families and support systems during both treatment and recovery.

The successful procedure represents the culmination of extensive planning and coordination among a multidisciplinary team that included physicians, nurses, technologists, anesthesia professionals, and hospital leadership. Their collective efforts underscore Piedmont Cartersville’s continued investment in clinical excellence and patient-centered care.

This milestone builds on the hospital’s growing cardiac program, which continues to expand access to advanced cardiovascular services in Bartow County and the surrounding region.

Atrial fibrillation affects millions of people worldwide and can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications if left untreated. The introduction of Pulse Field Ablation provides a promising new option for patients seeking effective, minimally invasive treatment.