UP Health System – Marquette offers new procedure for atrial fibrillation

MARQUETTE, Mich. (Feb. 12, 2026) — UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette), a Duke LifePoint facility, is now offering pulsed field ablation (PFA), a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm.

Cardiac electrophysiologists at UPHS – Marquette recently performed the procedure using a new technology that delivers pulsed electric fields through a specialized catheter to interrupt irregular electrical pathways in the heart that trigger AFib. Unlike traditional ablation methods that use heat or cold, this new technology is non-thermal and is designed to reduce the risk of damage to surrounding heart structures while improving procedure efficiency.

AFib is a progressive condition affecting millions of people worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and lightheadedness, though some individuals experience no symptoms. Adults over age 40 face an increased lifetime risk of developing AFib, and many people remain undiagnosed until complications occur.

“Bringing advanced technologies like pulsed field ablation to our region reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality heart care close to home,” said Tonya Darner, market chief executive officer of UPHS – Marquette. “Offering innovative, minimally invasive treatments like this furthers our commitment to making communities healthier.”

Catheter ablation is a safe and effective treatment option when medications do not adequately control abnormal heart rhythms. Early diagnosis and treatment of AFib can help reduce the risk of serious complications and improve quality of life. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or fainting should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911.

“Pulsed field ablation represents an important advancement in the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said Daniel Buerkel, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at UPHS – Marquette. “This technology allows us to precisely target the abnormal electrical signals that cause AFib, offering an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for patients when they need it the most.”

UP Health System – Marquette provides the largest offering of cardiovascular services in the Upper Peninsula — including general cardiology, diagnostic testing, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, clinical research, electrophysiology, rehabilitation, vascular care and open-heart surgery.

UP Health System – Marquette is a Duke Health affiliate in heart. This affiliation allows us to receive the most current training and staff education when it comes to heart care, along with access to the latest Duke guidelines and research, enhancing the quality of care available to patients in the community.

Meet our Heart and Vascular team

Learn more about our Heart and Vascular team, heart attack warning signs and our cardiac accreditations at UP Health System – Marquette.

To assess your heart health, take our free online heart health assessment. To speak with a provider, call 844.411.UPHS (8747) or visit the “Find a Provider” tab at UPHealthSystem.com to schedule an appointment. In an emergency, call 911.