A gathering of around 40 medical professionals met at the Matilda Bay Restaurant during March for an educational event focused on the evolving management of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).
Information was presented by internationally recognised cardiac surgeon Professor Mark La Meir, a colleague of mine. Professor La Meir, Director of Cardiac Surgery at University Hospital Brussels, Belgium, and Professor at Maastricht UMC, is widely regarded as a leader in hybrid and minimally invasive AF ablation techniques. His work has contributed to the development of rhythm surgery and the integration of new technologies into modern cardiac surgical practice. He has also promoted collaboration between Cardiologists and Cardiothoracic Surgeons.
His presentation, titled ‘The Evolution of AF Ablation: Advancing Care in Persistent AF’, outlined how treatment strategies for persistent atrial fibrillation are changing, with growing adoption of hybrid ablation approaches and concomitant surgical ablation during cardiac surgery.
A key focus of the presentation was the expanding role of surgical interventions in patients with persistent AF, particularly where catheter ablation alone may have limited long-term success. Professor La Meir discussed current indications for AF surgery, emphasising the importance of careful patient selection and the need to consider surgical options earlier in the treatment pathway for certain patients.
The presentation also explored the extent of modern AF surgery, including lesion sets designed to achieve more durable rhythm control. Particular attention was given to the use of advanced surgical tools such as the EnCompass clamp, which enables easier and more reliable creation of transmural lesions during surgical ablation. It also reduces the surgery time and can eliminate the need to open the left atrium in certain patients.
The EnCompass clamp will lead to a higher adoption of concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery by surgeons treating patients with atrial fibrillation when they undergo procedures where the left atrium is not routinely opened as for example patient undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting or isolated Aortic Valve Replacement. This technology will help improve procedural consistency and outcomes, especially in complex or long-standing cases of atrial fibrillation.
Professor La Meir reviewed evidence demonstrating that, in appropriately selected patients, surgical and hybrid AF ablation can provide meaningful benefits. These include improved maintenance of sinus rhythm, reduction in symptoms, and in some cases, improved survival. He highlighted that patients undergoing cardiac surgery for other indications may also benefit from concomitant AF ablation, with minimal additional risk when performed by experienced teams.
The discussion generated strong interest among attendees, particularly regarding how the evolving techniques may be applied in Western Australia. The potential for broader use of surgical and hybrid ablation strategies locally was considered, especially for patients with persistent or long-standing AF who have not responded to conventional therapies.
Events such as this provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing across specialties, ensuring that patients in Western Australia continue to benefit from advances in cardiac care occurring internationally.
For further information and referrals regarding AF surgery, hybrid ablation, as well as patient suitability, please contact me directly on 0415 384 695.
As always, the invitation is open to you for us to meet in person for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of our respective practices. Please contact me directly to arrange. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Dr Lucas Sanders | The Heart Lung Surgeon
FRACS (AUS), FCS (SA), MSRC (NLD), Arts Examen (NLD)
Provider No. 242328CJ
Patient referrals to The Heart Lung Surgeon can be made via:
Rooms: Suite 44 Mount Medical Centre
Email: [email protected]
Facsimile: 08 9481 3540
Telephone: 08 9483 4621
HealthLink EDI: Isanders