Ramsay Newsroom

This pioneering, minimally invasive treatment brings new hope to people with persistent and long-standing atrial fibrillation (AF), a serious condition affecting around 2 per cent of Australians and increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Until now, patients in NSW often had to travel interstate for this advanced procedure, which combines cardiac surgery and catheter-based treatment to restore normal heart rhythm.

Cardiologist Dr Jayesh Gohil and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Mohammad Azari are delivering the dual-phase procedure, with the first two cases being successfully completed at Wollongong Private Hospital in April. 

“This is a new procedure aiming to tackle a complex issue and offering new hope for patients with complex atrial fibrillation,” Dr Azari said.

“It assists chronic AF patients experiencing ongoing symptoms and is ideal for those who have had an unsuccessful ablation in the past,” Dr Gohil added.

“We are excited that to be the first site in NSW to offer the procedure and we encourage patients with longstanding AF to speak with their GP or cardiac electrophysiologist about whether a referral for this treatment is right for them.”

Since launching its cardiac surgery program in September 2021, more than 1,200 patients have undergone cardiac surgery at Wollongong Private Hospital. The hospital now delivers comprehensive cardiac care for both public and private patients, including coronary interventions, valve procedures, aortic surgeries, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and electrophysiology services.

“The introduction of this procedure is another feather in the cap for Wollongong Private Hospital’s heart service,” Dr Gohil said.

The cardiothoracic surgical unit also specialises in minimally invasive thoracic procedures including lung cancer operations.

Wollongong Private Hospital Acting CEO, Caroline Wilson, said she was proud to see the hospital offering Convergent Hybrid Therapy locally.

“It means patients can now access this world class treatment close to home,” she said.

“We’re always looking for way to innovate and improve care for our community.”

* Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts, Atrial fibrillation - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare