The Convergent Procedure, a novel approach to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), enabled by epicardial ablation products from nContact Surgical, Inc. (nContact), was highlighted at the Techno-College Atrial Fibrillation Session of the EACTS (European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery) Annual Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. More than 1,000 medical professionals attended the 2010 Techno-College Programme to receive an update on the latest technical advancements in cardiothoracic surgery.
The Convergent Procedure is the first multidisciplinary, closed chest treatment for all types of AF. During the combined epicardial-endocardial ablation procedure, a cardiac surgeon and an electrophysiologist (EP) work as a team to create a comprehensive bi-atrial lesion pattern, without chest incisions or ports. The surgeon utilizes the nContact coagulation device during epicardial ablation to create continuous, linear lesions on a beating heart. The EP then performs endocardial ablation to complete the pattern and utilizes mapping and diagnostics to ensure lesion completeness and that procedure endpoints are achieved.
Professor Borut Gersak, Head of Cardiovascular Surgery at the University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia, presented the Convergent Procedure technique and long-term outcomes of 53 patients at six months and 39 patients at twelve months. Data from the study confirmed over 90% of patients returned to sinus rhythm at six and twelve months post-procedure.
Commenting on the positive patient data and advantages of the Convergent Procedure, Professor Gersak stated, "The Convergent Procedure merges the best techniques of two cardiac disciplines into a single, complete epicardial-endocardial approach that offers a new treatment opportunity for persistent and longstanding persistent AF patients."
Professor Gerhard Wimmer-Greinecker, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the Heart and Vascular Center in Bad Bevensen, Germany, who moderated the session and has performed the Convergent Procedure, commented, "The combined epicardial-endocardial procedure potentially enhances the ability to treat new AF patients, decreases total procedure times, reduces physician skills required, and potentially improves outcomes."
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