Jilin Province's First Robot-Assisted Atrial Fibrillation Surgery Successfully Completed

Background

Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and often rapidly. Long-standing persistent cases frequently involve left atrial enlargement and structural remodeling, complicating conventional catheter-based interventions. The Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Jilin University First Hospital (also known as The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University) has actively advanced arrhythmia care, including establishment of zero-fluoroscopy catheter labs and adoption of novel ablation technologies.

On September 3, 2026, the department independently completed Jilin Province's first radiofrequency ablation for complex persistent atrial fibrillation assisted by an approved domestically developed cardiac electrophysiological intervention control system. The procedure was carried out by Professor Li Shuyan of the arrhythmia sub-specialty under the overall planning and technical guidance of department director Tong Qian.

What was achieved

The patient suffered from long-term persistent atrial fibrillation accompanied by hypertension and heart failure. Preoperative evaluations revealed a left atrial anteroposterior diameter of 50 mm, mild to moderate mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation, and an ejection fraction of 45 percent. These conditions resulted in marked left atrial enlargement, structural remodeling of the atrial myocardium, and distorted anatomical morphology, posing significant challenges for catheter positioning, stability, and effective ablation.

Despite these complexities, the team achieved bilateral pulmonary vein double-circle ablation in 45 minutes, resulting in one-time complete pulmonary vein isolation. The patient exhibited stable vital signs throughout with no complications. Reports describe the success as marking the province's entry into a new stage of domestic, intelligent, and precise interventional treatment for atrial fibrillation, enhancing standardization, safety, and potential long-term outcomes for complex arrhythmias.

How it works

During atrial fibrillation, erratic electrical signals often originate from the pulmonary veins entering the left atrium, triggering irregular heartbeats. Radiofrequency ablation addresses this by advancing thin catheters via veins into the heart. At targeted sites around the vein openings, the catheter tip emits high-frequency electrical current that heats and creates scar tissue. These circumferential scar lines electrically isolate the pulmonary veins, blocking abnormal impulses from propagating and helping restore organized atrial rhythm.

The robotic assistance provided by the domestic cardiac electrophysiological intervention control system enhances this process through precise mechanical control of the catheter. It facilitates stable docking and accurate contact with the target endocardial surface even in enlarged or remodeled atria. The system supports consistent tissue apposition, real-time parameter monitoring, uniform energy delivery, and homogeneous lesion formation. This approach aims to improve procedural efficiency, reduce operator variability, and elevate safety in high-difficulty cases compared to purely manual techniques.

What it means for international patients

The hospital maintains a dedicated international clinic within its VIP services, established in 2014, that offers one-stop services and whole-process guidance specifically for foreign patients. Multilingual support, including English, is available along with priority access and expert consultations. This recent milestone in robot-assisted electrophysiological intervention for atrial fibrillation demonstrates the institution's ongoing investment in advanced cardiovascular technologies.

International patients seeking care for complex arrhythmias at this facility should directly inquire with the hospital's international medical department regarding eligibility criteria, current service availability, appointment processes, and any preparatory requirements. Confirmation of suitability for specific procedures must be obtained on an individual basis.

About the hospital

The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, also referred to as Jilin University First Hospital, is located in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province. It is a large tertiary Class A comprehensive hospital directly administered by the National Health Commission and affiliated with Jilin University.

The hospital possesses 28 national clinical key specialties. It is the sole institution in Jilin Province qualified to conduct liver, kidney, heart, and lung transplantation procedures. Its organ donation and transplant volumes rank first in Northeast China and in the national top ten, with core success metrics among the country's leading figures. In the 2022 national performance appraisal for tertiary public hospitals, it earned an A+ grade and placed 18th nationwide. An international clinic and VIP center provide specialized services for foreign and high-end patients.