Atrial fibrillation (Afib) – an irregular, often quickened heartbeat – is a common type of arrhythmia estimated by the CDC to affect at least 2.7 million people in the U.S. Until recently, there were very few effective treatment options available.
At HonorHealth, we’re committed to helping our patients live longer, healthier lives. Our team of cardiovascular experts specialize in treating conditions of the heart, including Afib, and they’re pioneering new robotic procedures for this condition.
One recent breakthrough is the convergent robotic ablation procedure, a minimally invasive surgical approach involving an electrophysiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon. Convergent robotic ablation is recommended for patients with Afib who have not responded to medications or other treatments.
“We’re extremely proud to be one of the first centers in the world pioneering and developing this new fully robotic ablation technique,” says Zain Khalpey, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at HonorHealth. “By combining procedures and using the latest technologies, we can dramatically improve outcomes and quality of life for Afib patients.”
What happens during this procedure?
Using leading-edge imaging technology, the care team will first create a 3D image of the heart to identify arrhythmia triggers. After making four small incisions to insert robotic ports and a flexible robotic catheter, a surgeon will deliver highly precise ablation lesions to disrupt the abnormal electrical pathways that cause Afib. In the same procedure, a robotic clip is placed on the left atrial appendage to eliminate stroke risk from blood clots.
The surgery is minimally invasive, which means there is minimal scarring, and it allows for a much faster recovery, compared to traditional surgery. Patients can typically go home the next day.
How do I know if this procedure is right for me?
Determining the best treatment option is on factors such as:
- How long Afib has been present.
- The severity and type of symptoms.
- The underlying health conditions or factors that may be causing Afib.
To determine if this breakthrough robotic procedure is right for you, you can request a consultation with a heart specialist.
Redefining the possible with robotics
At HonorHealth, our physician experts are expanding what’s possible when it comes to delivering the highest quality care for our patients. As one of the first in the western U.S. and the third cardiology group in the world to evolve the traditional hybrid convergent procedure by adding robotic epicardial ablation and the robotic clip placement, our patients have access to the most advanced treatment options and best clinical outcomes.
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