Second Xiangya Hospital Electrophysiology Team Successfully Conducts Hunan's First Robot-Assisted Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

Background

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmias. It is characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats originating in the upper chambers of the heart. According to reports on the case, it has become a significant health concern for middle-aged and older adults in China, where more than 10 million people are affected. The condition increases the risk of stroke and other complications, with incidence rising alongside population aging.

Catheter ablation is an established interventional treatment aimed at eliminating the sources of abnormal electrical signals to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent stroke. For complex cases involving atrial fibrillation combined with other arrhythmias, such as premature ventricular contractions, the procedure demands high precision in catheter navigation and mapping. Traditional manual approaches can face challenges with positioning accuracy and extended procedure durations. The cardiac electrophysiology team at The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University has been a leader in the field in Hunan Province, having introduced catheter ablation technology in 1994, among the earliest adopters in the region.

What was achieved

On May 13, 2026, the hospital's cardiac electrophysiology team successfully carried out Hunan's first robot-assisted radiofrequency catheter ablation for complex arrhythmia. The procedure was performed on a patient referred to by the pseudonym Xiaoping, who had been experiencing palpitations and chest tightness due to atrial fibrillation combined with multiple arrhythmias.

The team was led by Professor Liu Qiming and Associate Professor Xiao Yichao. The operation lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes. During the procedure, all identified abnormal electrical signals were successfully blocked. Both the atrial fibrillation and associated arrhythmias were treated. The patient's vital signs remained stable throughout. On the first day after surgery, May 14, 2026, Xiaoping was reported to have shown significant symptom improvement and was no longer troubled by the previous palpitations and chest tightness. The case was reported on May 28, 2026.

How it works

Atrial fibrillation occurs when erratic electrical signals in the atria cause the chambers to quiver instead of contracting in an organized way. This can lead to inefficient blood flow and symptoms such as palpitations or fatigue. Catheter ablation addresses this by threading thin catheters into the heart through veins, typically in the groin. Once positioned, the catheter tip delivers radiofrequency energy, which generates controlled heat to create small scars in the heart tissue. These scars interrupt the faulty electrical pathways, preventing them from triggering irregular rhythms.

In robot-assisted procedures for complex cases, physicians do not manually manipulate the catheter for the entire duration. Instead, they operate a robotic arm system from a control console. The robotic arm provides stable, precise movements of the ablation catheter inside the heart. This is combined with a three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system. The mapping technology creates a real-time virtual model of the heart's chambers on screens, identifying and marking the locations of abnormal electrical signals. Doctors can then direct the robotic system to perform targeted, point-by-point ablation at those specific sites. Sources indicate this approach can improve catheter stability and positioning accuracy while reducing the patient's and operator's exposure to X-ray fluoroscopy compared with fully manual techniques.

What it means for international patients

The successful completion of this procedure highlights the use of robotic assistance in electrophysiology at a major Chinese teaching hospital. It offers a documented example of technology aimed at addressing challenges in treating complex arrhythmias.

The Second Xiangya Hospital maintains an international medical department that provides dedicated services for international patients and those seeking high-end care. These include coordinated appointments, green channels for diagnostic tests, patient record management, and support for commercial insurance processes where applicable. The department is reported to offer services in English alongside Chinese. International patients interested in advanced arrhythmia treatments or robot-assisted procedures should contact the hospital's international medical department directly to confirm current availability, assess individual eligibility, and obtain specific details on suitability and requirements. Eligibility and service specifics must be verified with the hospital as they depend on individual medical assessments.

About the hospital

The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University is located in Changsha, Hunan Province. Founded in 1958, it is a large tertiary Grade III Class A general hospital affiliated with Central South University. It functions as a key center for medical care, education, and research in the region and is overseen by the National Health Commission.

It maintains approximately 3,500 beds and features numerous clinical departments and laboratories. The hospital is known for strengths in cardiovascular medicine, with its electrophysiology team having a track record of early adoption of interventional techniques. It has been included in national hospital evaluation lists, such as those compiled by Fudan University. The institution has undertaken national research projects and holds positions in various academic committees. Its cardiovascular internal medicine department, including electrophysiology, is a noted area of clinical focus.