There are several identified benefits to treating atrial fibrillation. There is the opportunity for improved quality of life and an increased activity level. The patient could see a reduction in the need for medication, as well as lower the risk of stroke and heart failure.

MEDICATIONS

Initially, medications are used to treat AF. The medications may include:

• Blood Thinning or Anti-Coagulation Medication
• Rate Control Medication
• Rhythm Control or Anti-Arrhythmic Medication

CARDIOVERSION

A mainstay of treatment in which an electric current is delivered to the heart while the patient is sedated. In many cases, this will restore normal heart rhythm.

DEVICE THERAPY

Though not everyone with AF needs an implantable device, there are many reasons one may be recommended for you.

• Pacemaker: A small device implanted under the skin, which sends electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a stable heart rate. Implantable Cardioverter
• Defibrillator (ICD): Though implanted for more dangerous heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation, an ICD can also be programmed to treat and reduce episodes of AF.

ABLATION

Ablation uses an energy source to create areas of scar tissue on the inside or outside of the heart. Because abnormal electrical signals cannot pass through scar tissue, the irregular signals stop and in many cases, normal rhythm returns. This procedure may reduce the number of medications needed. AF ablation is the newest addition to the spectrum of complex ablations that are provided by the Electrophysiology Program at The Chester County Hospital. There are two approaches to ablating AF - catheter and surgical. Both have the same goal, to block the electrical impulses responsible for AF.

• Catheter Ablation: In this non-surgical procedure, wires are threaded through blood vessels to the heart. The multiple origins of AF are identified and isolated using an energy source to create lines of block.
• Surgical Ablation - Stand-alone: Patients who are not candidates for catheter ablation may decide on this approach. It is a surgical procedure that creates lines of block to redirect electrical signals, thus reducing or preventing AF.
• Surgical Ablation - Concomitant: An innovative approach available to patients who need heart surgery and who also suffer from AF. The ablation is performed during the heart surgery thereby eliminating a second procedure.

Last Updated: 7/30/2009