Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added AFib-treating cardiac catheter ablation procedures to its ASC-covered procedures list. This follows advocacy efforts from a range of stakeholders to enable ablation services in the fast-rising ASC setting. The decision goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
ASCs deliver same-day outpatient care as a potentially more convenient, cost-effective option. Companies in a range of spaces, such as orthopedics and surgical robotics, are currently targeting ASCs for their offerings as they rise in popularity.
With the boost for PFA technology, the current leaders in pulsed-field ablation (PFA), Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson MedTech, could significantly benefit.
In a Q&A with MassDevice, Johnson & Johnson MedTech Company Group Chair of Electrophysiology and Neurovascular, Michael Bodner, explained how this CMS boost will propel PFA forward.
The following has been lightly edited for space and clarity.
MassDevice: What is the significance of the CMS decision?
Michael Bodner: “CMS’s approval reinforces the strong clinical evidence that cardiac ablations can be performed safely by highly trained electrophysiologists in well-equipped ASCs.
“Johnson & Johnson MedTech is uniquely positioned to support ASCs. Our portfolio offers the flexibility to treat a wide range of patient types, with a fully integrated portfolio with capabilities no other provides, proven safety profile and robust clinical support, all capabilities that are especially important in the ASC environment.
“We are able to provide integrated [radiofrequency], PFA, ultrasound, and 3D mapping technology, enabling comprehensive solutions for electrophysiologists and their patients. Our extensively trained clinical team gives us the scale and expertise to partner with hospitals and ASCs across the market.
ASCs are rising in popularity across medtech. What are the benefits of this type of setting?
MB: “ASCs offer high-efficiency settings that can help more people access the care they need with often shorter waiting times and without overnight hospitalization, which can be translated into overall patient satisfaction.
“In the ASC, same day discharge services are a core requirement, and our portfolio of solutions is proven to support this need. A great example of this is the recent subanalysis from the admIRE trial on same-day discharge (SDD) after pulsed field ablation using our Varipulse platform. This is the only study of any ablation catheter that has looked at a pivotal IDE trial and demonstrated that the platform was safe and effective with SDD outcomes comparable to overnight hospital stays.
“When we turn to real world evidence, the REAL-AF registry reflects this trend, with a recent publication reporting that 84.6% of patients were discharged on the same day as their ablation using the Varipulse platform. That’s the kind of patient-centered progress we’re excited to drive, providing the tools to the EP to deliver safe, efficient arrhythmia care wherever it’s needed.”
Are ASCs a big part of the future of medtech?
MB: “ASCs are a big part of the future of medtech, and they’re already shifting how care is delivered. As more procedures move to high-efficiency outpatient settings, ASCs are becoming a major part of the medtech landscape. They’re driving demand for devices that are simpler, more affordable, and optimized for streamlined environments.
“Our integrated portfolio is uniquely positioned to support safe and high-quality care by providing physicians with the tools needed to deliver safe, efficient and economically sustainable arrhythmia care in ASC settings.
“Varipulse is well-positioned to grow and succeed in the ASC setting as it offers an excellent safety profile, precise and durable lesion sets, and efficient workflow. It also accommodates competitive advantages like zero fluoroscopy, no general anesthesia workflows, and same-day discharge, which we expect will drive adoption in the ASC setting.”
With cardiac ablation, how common are procedures in ASCs now and how much do you expect them to rise?
MB: “We’re at an inflection point. Today, we see a very small number of cardiac ablation procedures in the ASC compared to the hospital setting, but we expect significant growth once the CMS decision is implemented. Customers performing ablations in ASCs today already recognize the value of our Carto system and integrated catheters. With the federal policy change, we anticipate broader adoption, driven by the efficiency, safety, and workflow advantages our platforms offer—especially as more physicians and patients seek the benefits of the ASC setting.
Is there anything else to add about cardiac ablation at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, ASCs or both?
MB: “We are optimistic that expanded ASC coverage will help improve patient access while reducing costs for the healthcare system.
“For over 30 years, Johnson & Johnson MedTech has been a leader in advancing cardiac arrhythmia care. Our commitment to advancing the field is reflected not only in our deep scientific expertise and comprehensive support, but also in the flexibility of our technology. We are uniquely positioned to bring together integrated diagnosis, mapping and treatment solutions, empowering electrophysiologists with flexibility and confidence, especially in the ASC setting.
As the landscape continues evolving, we’ll keep delivering tools, training and support that enable safe, efficient and sustainable arrythmia care to every type of setting and patient. We remain dedicated to ensuring that our innovations and best practices are fully transferable to the ASC environment, helping providers expand access and improve outcomes for more patients.
