Persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a chronic condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, sometimes leading to blood clots, stroke, or heart failure. It’s almost always progressive and often difficult to manage with medication alone.

But with robotic hybrid ablation, a two-step procedure that creates small scars in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals, we can help provide you with lasting relief. This new treatment option combines robotic minimally invasive surgery with traditional catheter-based methods, creating a reinforced approach that reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of complications.

Living with persistent AFib can be scary, which is why we’re committed to advancing treatment using the latest technologies for improving your quality of life.

Why Choose Us for Robotic Hybrid Ablation

  • National leaders: We are one of the few centers in the nation to offer a hybrid robotic-assisted approach to treating AFib, using both robotic surgery and traditional catheter-based methods.
  • All the experts you need: Our surgeons collaborate closely with electrophysiologists (arrhythmia specialists) and other cardiologists to ensure you get the best treatment before and after the surgery.
  • Advanced technologies: We use robotics to provide a more precise, more effective treatment for correcting AFib. This innovative technology allows your surgeon to maximize their ability to perform ablations while minimizing incisions for faster recovery.

Am I a Candidate?

Robotic hybrid ablation offers a significant chance at lasting relief from persistent AFib and can be especially beneficial if you’ve had the condition for more than a year. It is also a potentially effective option if you’ve previously had catheter ablations but continue to experience AFib.

What to Expect

We offer a two-stage procedure that focuses on controlling your heart’s erratic signals and restoring normal electrical pathways. The combination of each stage allows us to more effectively block the erratic signals both on the outside and the inside of the heart.

Stage 1: Minimally Invasive Robotic Ablation

The first stage involves the Da Vinci Robotic System, which helps us correct problems on the outside of your heart through minimally invasive techniques. The robot gives your surgeon better visibility and control, maximizing their ability to perform an effective surgery.

  • Small incisions: First, we make four small incisions on the left side of your chest to access your heart. Compared to open heart surgery, this approach reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of complications. 
  • Block abnormal heart signals: Your surgeon uses the robot to apply controlled radiofrequency energy to create precise scars (ablations) on the outside of your heart. The ablations block the abnormal signals causing your AFib and help restore normal electrical conduction. 
  • Reduce risk of stroke: Last, your surgeon closes off a part of your heart called the left atrial appendage, helping reduce the risk of stroke.

Stage 2: Catheter-Based Approach

The second stage focuses on the inside of your heart and is non-surgical, performed by an expert in the heart’s electrical activity (an electrophysiologist) rather than a surgeon. This step helps ensure success, particularly if you are suffering from a complex case of AFib.

  • Catheterization: A catheter is inserted through a vein, usually in your groin, and guided to the inside of your heart. 
  • Target remaining problem areas: Using advanced mapping technology, your electrophysiologist explores your heart’s chambers and identifies where additional ablations may be needed. 
  • Reinforce treatment: Your electrophysiologist applies any other necessary ablations to help ensure the abnormal signals are effectively blocked.
Dr. Joshua Chung
Dr. Joshua Chung
What Our Physicians Are Saying
“By combining these two complementary techniques, the robotic hybrid procedure enhances the success rate of AFib treatment, offering patients a better chance at long-term rhythm control and reducing their risk of stroke, heart failure, and other AFib-related complications.”
Dr. Joshua Chung
Chair, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Recovery

You can expect a hospital stay of about one to two days. There are typically no activity restrictions post-surgery, and most people are able to resume daily activities within about a week.

Please note it’s normal to experience surgical pain for the first 24-72 hours after your surgery. If you notice more adverse symptoms, contact your care team or seek emergency care.

Take the Next Step

Call our cardiothoracic surgery outpatient clinic at 909-558-4208 for more information or ask your primary care provider for a referral.

What to Expect

We offer a two-stage procedure that focuses on controlling your heart’s erratic signals and restoring normal electrical pathways. The combination of each stage allows us to more effectively block the erratic signals both on the outside and the inside of the heart.

Stage 1: Minimally Invasive Robotic Ablation

The first stage involves the Da Vinci Robotic System, which helps us correct problems on the outside of your heart through minimally invasive techniques. The robot gives your surgeon better visibility and control, maximizing their ability to perform an effective surgery.

  • Small incisions: First, we make four small incisions on the left side of your chest to access your heart. Compared to open heart surgery, this approach reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of complications. 
  • Block abnormal heart signals: Your surgeon uses the robot to apply controlled radiofrequency energy to create precise scars (ablations) on the outside of your heart. The ablations block the abnormal signals causing your AFib and help restore normal electrical conduction. 
  • Reduce risk of stroke: Last, your surgeon closes off a part of your heart called the left atrial appendage, helping reduce the risk of stroke.

Stage 2: Catheter-Based Approach

The second stage focuses on the inside of your heart and is non-surgical, performed by an expert in the heart’s electrical activity (an electrophysiologist) rather than a surgeon. This step helps ensure success, particularly if you are suffering from a complex case of AFib.

  • Catheterization: A catheter is inserted through a vein, usually in your groin, and guided to the inside of your heart. 
  • Target remaining problem areas: Using advanced mapping technology, your electrophysiologist explores your heart’s chambers and identifies where additional ablations may be needed. 
  • Reinforce treatment: Your electrophysiologist applies any other necessary ablations to help ensure the abnormal signals are effectively blocked.
Dr. Joshua Chung
Dr. Joshua Chung
What Our Physicians Are Saying
“By combining these two complementary techniques, the robotic hybrid procedure enhances the success rate of AFib treatment, offering patients a better chance at long-term rhythm control and reducing their risk of stroke, heart failure, and other AFib-related complications.”
Dr. Joshua Chung
Chair, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Recovery

You can expect a hospital stay of about one to two days. There are typically no activity restrictions post-surgery, and most people are able to resume daily activities within about a week.

Please note it’s normal to experience surgical pain for the first 24-72 hours after your surgery. If you notice more adverse symptoms, contact your care team or seek emergency care.

Take the Next Step

Call our cardiothoracic surgery outpatient clinic at 909-558-4208 for more information or ask your primary care provider for a referral.