LHCH introduces EnCompass for surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation during Aortic Valve surgery
LHCH was delighted to perform our first procedure using AtriCure’s EnCompass surgical ablation clamp.
The procedure, performed by Professor Mohamed Zeinah, LHCH Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, marks the latest development in our surgical treatment options for atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause palpitations, breathlessness and fatigue. It also increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. For suitable patients with existing AF who require heart surgery, surgical ablation offers an opportunity to address the rhythm disorder during the same operation.
EnCompass is a purpose-built bipolar radiofrequency ablation clamp for use during cardiac surgery. It is designed to create a connected “box” of ablation lines around the pulmonary veins and posterior wall of the left atrium, the back wall of the heart’s left upper chamber, to electrically isolate these areas involved in AF.
This treatment is performed from outside the heart, without needing to open the left atrium. This is particularly relevant during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aortic valve replacement (AVR), as these operations do not ordinarily require that chamber to be opened. A magnetic guide assists placement of the clamp with limited tissue dissection.
EnCompass is designed to facilitate the integration of AF ablation into the planned CABG or AVR operation, without an additional incision into the left atrium to create the box lesion.
For suitable patients, the aim is to improve rhythm control and reduce AF-related symptoms, while treating their coronary or valve disease. For surgeons, the device simplifies the creation of the connected box lesion. The appropriate treatment strategy remains an individual clinical decision.
Professor Zeinah said: “The introduction of EnCompass expands our options for treating existing AF during suitable heart operations. This first procedure provides a foundation for building local experience and integrating the approach into established surgical pathways. Combining specialist surgical expertise with innovative technology, reflects our ongoing commitment to advanced specialist cardiac care.”