Victorian-first procedure a new alternative for patients with atrial fibrillation

MedTech News: Australians suffering from atrial fibrillation – the most common type of irregular heartbeat – have access to two new procedures designed to effectively treat the chronic heart condition at Peninsula Private Hospital, a Ramsay Health Care hospital.

Peninsula Private recently became the first hospital in the country to offer Totally Thoracoscopic Maze (TTM) with 50 patients so far receiving the potentially life-saving surgery. Now, the hospital is set to introduce the Convergent Cardiac Procedure, which also targets atrial fibrillation, for the first time in Victoria.    

It is estimated that more than half a million Australians suffer from atrial fibrillation, which if left untreated can lead to stroke or heart failure.  

Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr Adrian Pick, said these procedures were a new alternative for approximately 50% of atrial fibrillation sufferers who were previously told their condition was untreatable. 

“Patients with atrial fibrillation who are not suitable for surgery are treated with anti-arrhythmic and anti-coagulation medications, both of which carry with them considerable potential side effects,” Dr Pick said. 

“These new ‘hybrid’ procedures use a minimally invasive approach, as opposed to open surgery. Via the small incisions, targeted heat called radio frequency ablation is used to create lesions across the  pulmonary veins together with either interconnecting roof and floor lines or ablation of the entire posterior wall of the left atrium. The left auricular appendage of the heart is then clamped with special device called an Atriclip. The procedure is designed to eliminate abnormal electrical impulses and restore the patient to sinus rhythm.”

AA-Med is the sponsor for Atriclip in Australia. The device is manufactured by Atricure.

Dr Pick has been refining techniques for minimally invasive Aortic, Mitral and Thoracic surgery for more than 20 years. 

Peninsula Private Hospital CEO, Michelle Henderson, said she was proud the hospital could bring these leading procedures to Victoria. 

“These procedures are increasingly being used in the northern hemisphere to treat atrial fibrillation, and we’re pleased to be able to offer then here at Peninsula Private Hospital,” Ms Henderson said. 

“These procedures will offer new hope to many living with chronic cardiac arrythmias. Ramsay Health Care is committed to investing in new technology and new procedures to offer the best care for patients.” 

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