In a healthy heart, a steady electrical current keeps the heart beating
in a regular rhythm. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) results when the upper
chambers of the heart (the atria) receive chaotic electrical impulses
and send mixed signals to the ventricles. As a result, the heart muscle
pumps less efficiently, and irregularly, creating a higher risk for blood
clots, stroke and heart failure. Our treatment provides options for patients
in any stage of atrial fibrillation: paroxysmal, persistent or long-standing
persistent.
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation – episodes of atrial fibrillation
that come and go. It lasts 7 days or less. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
– atrial fibrillation that lasts more than 7 days. Long-Standing
Persistent – atrial fibrillation that lasts longer than one year.
Permanent Atrial Fibrillation – atrial fibrillation where a decision
has been made by the patient and the physician to not restore the atrial
fibrillation to sinus rhythm by any surgical or catheter ablation means.
The Heart and Vascular Center at Valley View is proud to offer all treatments
options available on the market for Afib. We offer radiofrequency ablation,
cryoablation, and laser ablation. The Hybrid approach provides an answer
for patients who have previously failed medication and prior ablation
treatment. The VATS MAZE procedure, Convergent approach, and the Convergent
Plus are examples of hybrid procedures that can be used to treat persistent
atrial fibrillation. By uniting the expertise of an electrophysiologist,
and a cardiothoracic surgeon, we can address persistent arrhythmias that
don’t respond well to pharmaceuticals.
Treatment Options
At Valley View, proven strategies and research-based innovations help our
physicians get to the heart of heart problems.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Electrophysiology
Diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiology helps our physicians determine
the exact origins of atrial fibrillation and target damaged areas with
superior accuracy.
Medications
Medications, including anti-coagulants to prevent blood clots, are the
first line of defense and can help many patients with occasional or mildly
persistent atrial fibrillation feel more comfortable and live more fully.
Cardioversions
Cardioversions help return the heart to a regular rhythm by combining any
needed medications with a procedure that sends electrical shocks to the
heart through electrodes placed on the chest. For many patients, cardioversion
can quickly resolve erratic heart rhythms, and most go home the same day
as the procedure.
Ablations
Ablations offer superior treatment for A-fib. These minimally invasive
procedures have been proven more effective than medication, with patients
reporting fewer repeat ablations, cardioversions or re-hospitalizations.
We offer Radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and laser ablation.
Implants
Pacemaker, defibrillator and device-monitoring implants allow our surgeons
to positively impact heart rhythms on a daily basis by situating small
devices under the skin or in the chest cavity to deliver consistent, electrical
signals that help the heart beat regularly and in rhythm with the needs
of the body.
A pacemaker is situated under the skin in the chest to address arrhythmias.
A defibrillator or ICD (implanted cardioversion defibrillator) regulates
the heartbeat to protect the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles)
from dangerous rhythms that could initiate cardiac arrest.
Biventricular pacemaker/defibrillator implants correct erratic electrical
impulses in both ventricle chambers so the body receives the consistent
blood flow it needs.
Device-monitoring implants help our physicians keep an eye on rhythmic
patterns and make any needed adjustments to make sure that pacemakers
and defibrillators are supporting the heart muscle with optimal performance.
Patient Resources
Atrial Fibrillation Care Instructions
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often fast heartbeat. Learn how
to care for your heart and decrease your risk of heart failure and stroke.
