Cardiac Services

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Atrial Fibrillation Surgery

Atrial fibrillation is one of the more common types of cardiac arrhythmia. The condition occurs when the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) do not open properly due to irregularities in the transmission of electrical impulses through the heart. As a result, the heart is unable to pump blood properly, causing an irregular heartbeat. This may result in blood clots, which can move to an artery in the brain, resulting in a stroke. Atrial fibrillation also increases the risk of congestive heart failure and can further complicate other types of heart diseases, particular those involving heart valves.

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation requires surgical incisions in the receiving chambers (atria) of the heart to destroy abnormal electrical pathways. When local freezing, radiotherapy or ultrasound is applied to these pathways, further destruction occurs, reverting the heart rhythm to normal. The Miriam Hospital pioneered this procedure (known as the MAZE procedure) locally, and the surgical and cardiology groups continue their efforts to improve the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

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