The Wollongong Private Hospital team ahead of the first convergent procedure, including Dr Azari (fourth from the right). Photo: Wollongong Private Hospital.
Patients with a chronic heart rhythm condition can now access cutting-edge treatment in the Illawarra, thanks to Wollongong Private Hospital becoming the first centre in NSW to offer convergent hybrid therapy.
A revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure, it combines cardiac surgery and catheter-based treatment to restore normal heart rhythm for those with persistent and long-standing atrial fibrillation (AF).
With the successful completion of its first cases, it means the hospital is now providing new hope — and world-class heart care — closer to home.
Until recently, patients in NSW with AF — a condition affecting about two per cent of Australians and linked to higher risks of stroke and heart failure, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare — often had to travel to Western Australia or Queensland to access the advanced treatment.
Delivered in the Illawarra by cardiologist Dr Jayesh Gohil and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Mohammad Azari, they completed the dual-phase procedure on their first two cases at Wollongong Private Hospital successfully 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 comes after Wollongong Private Hospital launched its cardiac surgery program in September 2021, with more than 1200 patients now having undergone cardiac surgery since then.
It delivers comprehensive cardiac care for public and private patients, including coronary interventions, valve procedures, aortic surgeries, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and electrophysiology services.
Last year it introduced the mitral valve clip, an advanced technique for faster recovery and reduced pain, and it now has a cardiothoracic surgical unit that specialises in minimally invasive thoracic procedures including lung cancer operations.
“The introduction of this procedure is another feather in the cap for Wollongong Private Hospital’s heart service,” Dr Gohil said of convergent hybrid therapy.
“It assists chronic AF patients experiencing ongoing symptoms and is ideal for those who have had an unsuccessful ablation in the past.
“We are excited 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.”
Wollongong Private Hospital acting CEO Caroline Wilson said she was proud to see the hospital offering convergent hybrid therapy.
“It means patients can now access this world-class treatment close to home,” she said.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve care for our community.”
Learn more about Wollongong Private Hospital’s cardiac services.
