Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center Announces 3,000th Robotic Cardiac Ablation Procedure

AUSTIN, Texas—Electrophysiologists at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center have performed 3,000 robotic cardiac ablation procedures, the majority of which treated ventricular tachycardia. The milestone procedure, which marks the most robotic cardiac ablation procedures by any one facility in North America, was performed by J. David Burkhardt, M.D., in August of 2022.

The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute has the leading robotic electrophysiology center in North America. The state-of-the-art, 72,000-square-foot center, which opened in 2019, includes six electrophysiology labs equipped with advanced technology for treatment of complex arrhythmias.

“Since TCAI was launched more than a decade ago, our highly skilled team has provided the highest level of care for patients with cardiac arrhythmias,” Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., cardiac electrophysiologist and executive medical director of TCAI, said. “We are fortunate to have the world’s most innovative electrophysiologists here in Central Texas. We look forward to continuing caring for patients around the world and reaching new heights along the way.”

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute electrophysiologists have performed robotic cardiac ablation procedures since 2007. The procedure is minimally invasive and repairs the electrical circuits of the heart using a soft catheter navigated through the blood vessels and heart by computer-controlled magnets. Because of the gentle mechanism, the procedure is well suited for patients with complex conditions, or who would otherwise not be candidates for treatment using traditional methods.  

“It is exciting to commemorate this record-setting milestone, achieved through the commitment and sacrifice of our team to provide care that is unmatched,” Dr. Burkhardt said. “We are honored to be considered pioneers of innovative technology and a worldwide leader in the treatment and management of heart rhythm disorders.”

TCAI’s team of world-renowned physicians is one of the largest electrophysiology practices in the U.S., providing unparalleled experience, expertise and exceptional care. With this incomparable combination, TCAI successfully treats thousands of patients each year, restoring their quality of life.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center is one of the world’s preeminent centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting abnormal heart rhythms such as Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib). The center is led by Executive Medical Director Andrea Natale, M.D., a world-renowned expert in the field. Natale is at the forefront of advancing treatment for A Fib, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures.

St. David’s Medical Center

St. David’s Medical Center, which is part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations—St. David’s Medical Center, Heart Hospital of Austin and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.

Located in Central Austin, St. David’s Medical Center includes a 426-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. It is home to the internationally renowned Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute and St. David’s Neuroscience & Spine Institute. The hospital provides a complete range of women’s services, including its acclaimed maternity unit, maternal-fetal medicine, a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team, the region’s largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and The Breast Center; complex surgical services; a comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center; and a 24-hour emergency department.