University Clinic introduces simultaneous coronary bypass grafting and radio frequency ablation

Cardiac surgeons have performed a rare two-component surgical intervention without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

A 64-year-old male with a history of coronary heart disease was admitted to the University Clinic. Four years ago, against the background of this disease, the first signs of heart rhythm disturbance arose. To avoid the formation of blood clots in the cavities of the heart, the man took anti-coagulation drugs daily for four years. Over the past six months, arrhythmia attacks have transformed into constant rhythm disturbances; his endurance and ability to perform even minor physical activities sharply decreased.

The patient was referred for examination, in which a narrowing of the coronary arteries supplying the heart with blood was revealed. After the consultation, it was decided to carry out a simultaneous intervention.

“Carrying out coronary bypass surgery or trans-catheter radio frequency ablation separately is a daily practice in our clinic. The uniqueness of the procedure was that the coronary artery bypass grafting and radio frequency isolation of the pulmonary veins on the open working heart were performed simultaneously and without cardiopulmonary bypass. Such an intervention requires high competence, since manipulations on the lower surface of the working heart are technically more difficult; however, it prevents complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and makes it possible to solve the patient's problems in a comprehensive way,” said Daniyar Khaziakhmetov, Head of Cardiac Surgery at the University Clinic.

Source text: Olga Pelepets

Translation: Yury Nurmeev