TAMPA, Fla. — Two BayCare doctors are helping revolutionize heart care.

Thoracic and cardiac surgeon Dr. Andrew Sherman and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Kevin Makati collaborated to develop what they call “a more effective approach” to treating atrial fibrillation.

What You Need To Know

  • Thoracic and cardiac surgeon Dr. Andrew Sherman and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Kevin Makati collaborated to develop what they call “a more effective approach” to treating atrial fibrillation

  • The doctors say the new “Tampa 2 AFIB Procedure” is more efficient, explaining it has a different approach, using new tools and technology to create scar tissue to block abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation

  • Traditionally, the Cox-Maze IV procedure has been used for intervention

  • Brittany Williams, 33, is recovering from open heart surgery in October, during which time, she also had the Tampa 2 procedure

Traditionally, the Cox-Maze IV procedure has been used for intervention.

“There’s an enormous amount of benefits to treating atrial fibrillation, but because of the difficulty of the procedure, it wasn’t widely adopted,” said Sherman.

The doctors say the new “Tampa 2 AFIB Procedure” is more efficient, explaining it has a different approach, using new tools and technology to create scar tissue to block abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation.

“We use what are two additional lines of ablation in addition to that clamp, hence the term ‘the Tampa 2,’” said Sherman. “So, it’s two addition lesions, two physicians that in collaboration with each other came up with this, and it’s a little homage to the ‘Tampa 2’ defense of the Buccaneers, where we all practice right across from the Buccaneers stadium.”

“The benefit and the elegance of the procedure is that every patient that has the Tampa 2 surgical procedure ends up with a clip that addresses an area of the heart that is known to cause stroke in atrial fibrillation,” said Makati. “We also create various lines to cure atrial fibrillation by the time a patient leaves the operating room.”

About 100 procedures have been performed so far at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

Brittany Williams, 33, is recovering from open heart surgery in October, during which time, she also had the Tampa 2 procedure.

“It’s been a crazy journey. If you asked me 15 years ago what my life would look like, it’s never surviving sudden cardiac arrest or having open-heart surgery,” said Williams. “But I’m just so grateful and thankful everyday to have a second chance at life.”

The doctors say physicians around the world are now adopting the new procedure.

“Knowing that I had this lifesaving procedure done during the open-heart surgery, I am just so thankful,” said Williams.