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Surgical therapy for atrial fibrillation
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Herz
|February 1, 1993
Summary
A new surgical procedure effectively cures atrial fibrillation, restoring normal heart rhythm and preventing recurrence. This treatment is becoming the preferred option for patients with drug-resistant, symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm irregularity.
- It leads to detrimental effects including palpitations, hemodynamic compromise, and thromboembolism.
- Current treatments for symptomatic atrial fibrillation are often insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a surgical procedure developed over 12 years of research.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this procedure in curing atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
- To establish this surgery as a potential treatment of choice.
Main Methods:
- Development of a surgical technique over a 12-year period.
- Clinical investigation and application of the procedure in patients with paroxysmal and chronic atrial fibrillation.
- Assessment of procedural success in restoring sinus rhythm and atrial function.
Main Results:
- The surgical procedure successfully restored sinus rhythm in all treated patients.
- Atrial transport function was restored post-surgery.
- The recurrence of atrial fibrillation was prevented by the operation.
Conclusions:
- The developed surgical procedure offers a definitive cure for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
- It effectively addresses the rhythm, hemodynamic, and thromboembolic sequelae of atrial fibrillation.
- This surgery is emerging as the preferred treatment for drug-refractory, symptomatic atrial fibrillation.