St. Joseph's Hospital's 'Tampa 2' AFib Procedure Contributes to Tampa Bay Legacy of Success

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.

SOURCE BayCare Health System