LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health is the first in Arkansas to treat arrhythmias using robotic cardiac ablation surgery. Dr. Pouya Hemmati, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock, utilizes the Intuitive da Vinci robotic system when performing these minimally invasive heart surgeries.
Baptist Health is also the first in central Arkansas to perform robotic cardiac surgery with a tandem two-surgeon approach.
Dr. Hemmati received his robotic surgical training at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and specializes in Cardiovascular Surgery. He is dedicated to providing exceptional care to his patients and ensuring that his patients receive the highest level of expertise and treatment.
“Robotic-assisted surgery is revolutionizing patient care, allowing for minimally-invasive approaches to cardiac surgery,” Dr. Hemmati said. “We are thrilled to bring this innovative technology to our patients to optimize outcomes for them.”
An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a problem with the rate or rhythm of a patient’s heartbeat. The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm.
The da Vinci system provides enhanced visibility through small incisions and high-definition, magnified 3D imaging for more precise movements during procedures like ablation for atrial fibrillation, a common type of arrhythmia.
Surgeons utilize tiny instruments and robotic devices, operating through small chest incisions instead of the traditional breastbone incision. This minimally invasive method can reduce pain and length of stay for complex heart surgeries while offering equally successful outcomes.
The da Vinci system allows patients to return home within two or three days, a significant improvement over the five to seven days typically required for traditional surgery. Patients see lower blood loss, less pain, a lower risk of infection, minimal scarring and quicker recovery times. Additionally, it expands surgical options for patients who may not be candidates for conventional heart procedures.
For more information, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or visit Baptist-Health.com.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.