Overview and Facts about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Surgery
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that affects your heart rhythm. People with AFib have an arrhythmia or an abnormal heartbeat. Without treatment, AFib can sometimes lead to heart failure or stroke. Medication can lower your risk of complications, but it can't cure AFib.
If you're at high risk for stroke or heart failure, your doctor may recommend cardiac surgery. The goal of AFib surgery is to restore a normal heart rhythm. Arrhythmias are often linked to abnormal electrical activity within the heart.
Your surgeon can create scar tissue within your heart, blocking electrical signals. This procedure can permanently resolve AFib.
What to Expect during Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Surgery
Most patients undergoing AFib surgery will have either an ablation (keyhole) procedure or a maze procedure. Ablation procedures use heat or cold to scar the heart tissue. These procedures are often minimally invasive and result in a shorter recovery time. Maze procedures use incisions to create a pattern of scar tissue. They usually involve open heart surgery, which can be riskier.
However, if you need multiple heart procedures, open heart surgery may be your only option. Your cardiac surgery takes place within a hospital. First, your medical team provides anesthesia. This medication helps you sleep through the procedure. Your team may also give you special medication to prevent blood clots.
During a minimally invasive ablation (keyhole) procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in your groin or neck. Next, the surgeon will thread a catheter through your veins into your heart and use a special dye along with X-ray images to locate the correct area to treat. Finally, the catheter is used to scar the heart tissue.
During an open heart maze procedure, the team places you on a heart-lung bypass machine. This machine keeps oxygenated blood circulating during your procedure. Your surgeon makes an incision in your chest and uses sharp tools to create a pattern of scar tissue.
Both minimally invasive and open heart procedures take about three to six hours. AFib surgery can reduce your symptoms and boost your quality of life. Studies have indicated that surgery is effective for up to 90% of patients.
What are the Side Effects of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Surgery?
The recovery period can take several weeks or months. As you recover, you may feel tired or run down. You may also continue to have an arrhythmia for a few months after surgery.
During your follow-up appointments, your doctor will measure your progress. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking. Your doctor may ask you to avoid physical exertion for a few months after surgery.
Following these recommendations can help you avoid painful or dangerous side effects. Following your doctor's advice can also speed up your recovery.
What are the Risks of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Surgery?
After surgery, some patients may experience:
In rare cases, these complications can be life -threatening. Patients who are young and otherwise healthy generally have the best outcomes. Elderly patients and those with serious health concerns may be at a higher risk for complications.
Keep in mind that unresolved AFib also carries significant risks. Your surgeon can help you weigh these risks and choose the right treatment.
