Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
The
Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute provides advanced treatment options for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Many
of these innovative procedures are performed in the new
Allan and Sandy Fainbarg Electrophysiology Cath Lab Suite, the first EP suite of its kind in Orange County. The new state-of-the-art
suite offers the latest in EP technology coupled with a comfortable patient-centered
environment.
Atrial Fibrillation (afib) is the most common type of arrhythmia. As a
recognized leader in state-of-the-art
arrhythmia management, Hoag's multidisciplinary team of arrhythmia experts perform some of
the most complex heart rhythm procedures available in the nation with
clinical outcomes that rival national figures.
Treatment options for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) includes:
- Catheter ablation
- Topera RhythmView
- Mini Maze Procedure
- Follow-Up Care
Catheter ablation
A minimally invasive procedure that is performed in Hoag’s new state-of-the-art
Allan and Sandy Fainbarg Electrophysiology Cath Lab Suite. During the procedure, an electrophysiologist (a cardiologist who has
completed extensive fellowship training in heart rhythm disorders) threads
thin, flexible catheters through a vein or artery in the upper thigh,
arm or neck. He/she guides these catheters to the heart, placing the tip
of the catheter at the precise location where the arrhythmia begins. The
catheter emits an energy source that the physician uses to destroy (ablate)
a small area of heart tissue that is causing rapid and irregular heartbeats.
Destroying this tissue helps restore the heart’s regular rhythm.
In catheter ablation, different energy sources may be used to block the
abnormal electrical signals, such as radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy.
Topera RhythmView
A 3D graphical display that pinpoints the exact “starting point”
of a heart arrhythmia, better identifying where in the heart therapy would
be most needed. It is like a GPS of the heart’s electrical activity,
and its ability to target treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been
significant for patients.
At Hoag, the new system has accurately identified rotors or focal beats
in a high percentage of AF patients who used RhythmView, leading to better
treatment and outcomes.
Hoag is one of only 17 hospitals in the country and second on the West
Coast to use the FDA-cleared Topera RhythmView system.
Mini Maze Procedure
Hoag cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in the Mini Maze procedure. This
state-of-the-art minimally invasive ablation procedure is performed in
the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute’s
newly renovated and expanded surgical suites. Mini Maze allows patients a faster recovery and less pain compared to traditional
surgery because its performed through small incisions, or ports, without
opening the chest. During the ablation procedure, a highly trained cardiothoracic
surgeon uses specialized instruments to carefully destroy (ablate) the
problematic heart tissue in the area where the arrhythmia begins. This
process creates an electrical block along the pathway that's causing
your arrhythmia, thereby stopping the abnormal heart rhythm.
Follow-up Care
After treatment, your physician will implement a follow-up care plan in
order to monitor your heart rhythm and rate. Your physician may also recommend
cardiac rehabilitation, if necessary, and discuss important lifestyle
changes that will help control your heart rhythm and improve your overall
heart health.
Learn more about Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute's
top rated arrhythmia management program: