Cardiothoracic surgeons collaborate with electrophysiologist at The Heart Center at Parkridge Medical Center to offer the Convergent Procedure. This multidisciplinary team was the first in Chattanooga to offer the Convergent Procedure as a treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation (Afib).
Afib causes irregular heartbeats, which, if left untreated, can lead to heart attack and stroke. The Convergent Procedure is a minimally invasive, catheter-based approach to treating persistent Afib.
How It Works
The staged procedure begins in the Operating Room at Parkridge Medical Center, where a cardiac surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a small scope that is used to ablate the back wall of the left atrium.
The second stage occurs in the Electrophysiology Lab at Parkridge Medical Center. An electrophysiologist maps the heart’s electrical activity and identifies electrically active areas causing the abnormal heart rhythm. The electrophysiologist makes a small incision in the patient’s groin, inserts a catheter into the femoral vein and directs the catheter to the inside of the left atrium. The electrophysiologist then ablates the inside wall of the left atrium.
This collaborative treatment produces excellent results for cases of Afib previously thought to be untreatable.
Why Choose Convergent?
Afib may return after traditional epicardial ablation treatment because the cells responsible for initiating irregular heartbeats can be challenging to reach via an epicardial approach.
The Convergent Procedure is an effective technique for treating persistent forms of Afib and is typically recommended after traditional epicardial ablation is not curative. Patients who have been told there is no other therapeutic option for their Afib are perfect candidates for the Convergent Procedure. Call (423) 622-6848 to schedule an assessment with a heart specialist to see if the Convergent Procedure is right for you.
What to Expect
Patients typically return home the day after the procedure and follow-up with the cardiac surgeon and electrophysiologist at regular intervals. During these follow-up visits, the doctor will decide whether continued use of antiarrhythmic medications is necessary.
While the Convergent Procedure is performed through minimally invasive approaches, it is a complex treatment and is recommended for persistent Afib that recurs following traditional endocardial ablation.
For more information about Parkridge Cardiothoracic Surgery or to schedule an appointment, call (423) 698-2435.