Swiss premiere for heart surgery at Fribourg Hospital
Published: Wednesday, Jul 3rd 2024, 16:10
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For the first time in the country, a team of doctors at Fribourg Hospital (HFR) has treated a cardiac arrhythmia using intracardiac ultrasound. An X-ray machine is usually used for this procedure, as the HFR announced on Wednesday.
The treatment of so-called atrial fibrillation was carried out in the cardiac catheterization laboratory under general anaesthesia, as the HFR wrote in a press release. By using an intracardiac ultrasound probe at the premiere in Freiburg, it was possible to dispense with X-rays.
This technique has several advantages, as the HFR further wrote. The ultrasound allows an accurate visualization of the anatomy of the inside of the heart and precise guidance, especially during the puncture between the two atria, the most important step of the procedure.
In addition, the operating and other staff in the operating room no longer have to wear heavy lead aprons to protect themselves from X-rays. The patients themselves are also no longer exposed to radiation, as was also reported.
Although the procedure enables better visualization, more safety and the avoidance of X-rays, the additional costs for the ultrasound probe currently represent an obstacle to its use, the HFR continued.
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