Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, abnormal heart rhythm that requires medical treatment for control. When atrial fibrillation occurs, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) quiver or fibrillate. Thus, they do not pump effectively. Some people go in and out of this heart rhythm while others are always in atrial fibrillation. Because the atria are quivering, the blood tends to sit in the upper chambers of the heart and can more easily form clots. If these clots are pumped into the bloodstream, they can cause a stroke. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke and therefore requires strong blood thinning drugs to try to limit the risk.
Surgery for atrial fibrillation has traditionally been long and complicated but enjoys good results. The newer techniques are aimed at shortening the operation and limiting complications and so far we have been very pleased with results. The success rate is somewhat lower but still acceptable. This becomes particularly important if heart surgery for coronary bypass or valve problems is already going to take place. In that case, we can consider a surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation if this heart rhythm is a problem for you.
The advantage of performing surgery for atrial fibrillation is to provide a permanent solution to keep a patient out of atrial fibrillation. Also, it often allows us to decrease the medications required to control the rate, rhythm and clotting.
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