Toronto hospital performs Canada’s first robotic-assisted hybrid procedure for atrial fibrillation

St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto has achieved a Canadian first by performing the robotic surgical component of a hybrid ablation procedure designed to treat patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

The procedure represents an important development in minimally invasive cardiac care, combining robotic surgical technology with catheter-based treatment to address abnormal electrical activity responsible for irregular heart rhythms.

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure.

Combining two approaches to treatment

Many patients with atrial fibrillation respond to medication or conventional catheter ablation. However, treatment can be more challenging for individuals with persistent forms of the condition.

The hybrid approach combines two procedures performed at different times.

During the surgical stage, cardiac surgeons treat abnormal electrical pathways from outside the heart. Electrophysiologists subsequently use catheter-based techniques to identify and treat problematic electrical signals from inside the heart.

At St. Michael’s Hospital, the surgical component was performed using a robotic platform that allows surgeons to operate through small incisions with enhanced visualization and instrument control.

The approach is intended to provide more comprehensive treatment for selected patients whose atrial fibrillation has been difficult to manage.

Multidisciplinary cardiac care

The program brings together cardiac surgeons and electrophysiologists, including Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri, Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Paul Angaran, Director of the hospital’s Cardiac Arrhythmia Program.

Their collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on combining specialized expertise and advanced technology to improve treatment options for complex cardiovascular conditions.

The hospital says clinical evidence suggests hybrid approaches can improve long-term heart rhythm outcomes for selected patients with persistent atrial fibrillation compared with catheter ablation alone.

First patient travels from Alberta

The first Canadian patient to undergo the robotic surgical component travelled from Alberta to Toronto for treatment.

Jon Davies had been living with atrial fibrillation for nearly three decades before receiving the procedure.

According to the hospital, Davies recovered from the robotic surgery and returned home within days. He is awaiting the second stage of his treatment, which will involve catheter ablation.

Although his full treatment and longer-term outcomes remain to be assessed, the procedure demonstrates how robotic technology may expand minimally invasive treatment options for patients with complex heart rhythm disorders.

The milestone also highlights the growing role of multidisciplinary teams in developing advanced cardiac programs within Canadian hospitals.

Source: Unity Health Toronto, October 26, 2026.

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