TAMPA,
Fla., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With
intention to provide a revolutionary treatment option for atrial
fibrillation (AFib), cardiovascular physicians at St. Joseph's
Hospital, a part of the BayCare Health System, leveraged new
industry technology and their expertise to develop an innovative
procedure. Thoracic and cardiac surgeon Andrew Sherman, MD, and clinical cardiac
electrophysiologist Kevin Makati,
MD, are now sharing their procedure, fondly called "Tampa 2," with specialists around the
world.
The Tampa 2 procedure was
created to be easy to replicate while achieving equal or better
outcomes compared to the Cox-Maze IV, a widely used surgical
intervention for AFib introduced in 2002. AFib is a cardiac
condition noted by an irregular, frequently rapid heart rhythm and
is typically treated with prescription, catheter-based and/or
surgical interventions.
"We created the Tampa 2
procedure after years of collaboration between cardiology and
cardiac surgery in conjunction with surgical pioneer Dr.
James Cox (originator of the
Cox-Maze IV procedure). This state-of-the-art technique has the
potential to redefine surgical management of atrial fibrillation,"
said Dr. Sherman.
Like its predecessor, the Tampa
2 creates scar tissue to block abnormal electrical signals that
cause AFib but adds two lines of ablation (the method to create
scar tissue) and has a different approach made possible by new
tools and technology. The Tampa 2
achieved its namesake because of the two additional lines of
ablation, developed by two Tampa
physicians, all while tipping their hat to the success the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers had with their Tampa 2 defense. More than 50 successful
Tampa 2 procedures have been
performed at St. Joseph's Hospital, including the treatment of
Brittany Williams, a patient of Dr.
Sherman. Now the benefits of the Tampa 2 procedure extend beyond the walls of
St. Joseph's Hospital as Dr. Sherman and Dr. Makati host lectures
across the country to train physicians on all aspects of AFib
treatment. In addition, the two physicians presented their
procedure and clinical findings at the 2024 International Society
for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery annual meeting in
Athens, Greece (see abstract
here).
"We are very proud that this novel procedure was developed here
at BayCare and St. Joseph's Hospital," said Dr. Makati. "We are
excited to continually offer new, lifesaving procedures to our
community and beyond. This is only possible by the innovative
spirit and collaborative efforts of our colleagues here in
Tampa and around the
world."
For more information about the Heart Institute at St. Joseph's
Hospital:
https://baycare.org/locations/hospitals/st-josephs-hospital/services/heart-and-vascular
About St. Joseph's Hospital
St. Joseph's Hospital, part of the BayCare Health System, is
known for advanced medical technology and compassionate care. Its
Centers of Excellence include the Heart and Vascular Institute,
Cancer Institute, Stroke and Neuroscience Program, Robotic Surgery
Program and Emergency/Trauma Department, which provides more
emergency care than any other hospital in Tampa Bay. More than 70 specialties are
represented among the medical team, including internal medicine,
cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery. The hospital was founded
in 1934 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. The 615-bed hospital
is located at 3001 West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in
Tampa, Florida. For more
information: BayCare.org/SJH.
About BayCare
BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that
connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16
hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the
Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. The system is West Central
Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric
services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of
the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory
services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare
Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare
HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it
serves through community-owned, health care services that set the
standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information
visit BayCare.org.
![Kevin Makati, MD, and Andrew Sherman, MD's love of their practicing community inspired them to name the procedure Tampa 2. Kevin Makati, MD, and Andrew Sherman, MD's love of their practicing community inspired them to name the procedure Tampa 2.](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2450285/BayCare_Health_System_2.jpg)
![St. Joseph's Hospital (PRNewsFoto/St. Joseph's Hospital) St. Joseph's Hospital (PRNewsFoto/St. Joseph's Hospital)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/343946/St_Josephs_Hospital_Logo.jpg)
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SOURCE BayCare Health System