Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib)

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm originating in the atria (top chambers of the heart). The electrical impulse travels in a disorganized fashion through the heart, causing a rapid an irregular heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation is a dangerous condition that increases the risk of heart failure, death and stroke significantly.

The surgery for A-fib is indicated for patients who failed or could not tolerate medical management as well as patients in A-fib undergoing another cardiac procedure (like by-pass or valve surgery).

The goal is to reestablish normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm), reduce or eliminate symptoms, thus reducing the risk of stroke and/or death and avoiding the use of blood-thinners.

The most common procedure performed is called the modified Maze procedure. The procedure consists of creating channels of scar tissue that will guide the electrical impulse in a more organized fashion causing the heart to return to a regular rhythm. These areas of scar tissue are created using microwave, radiofrequency or cryoprobe devices alone or in combination.