We Can Help with Atrial Fibrillation

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute uses a team approach that unites the skills of nationally recognized cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. These specialists collaborate with your primary care physician to tailor atrial fibrillation treatment options to your unique needs.

Atrial fibrillation treatments at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute include:

• Medical management: Medications are often the first line of defense when treating atrial fibrillation. Drugs are not a cure for atrial fibrillation, but in many cases they help to make the symptoms less bothersome.
• Catheter ablation: A nonsurgical treatment option that locates and destroys abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways that cause atrial fibrillation, while cryoballoon ablation freezes the abnormal pathways.
• Left atrial appendage closure: The left atrial appendage is a pocket-like section in the left atrium (upper chamber) of the heart that is often a source of blood clot formation for those with atrial fibrillation and may cause up to 90% of strokes due to atrial fibrillation. Closing the left atrial appendage can prevent blood clots that may cause a stroke. Treatment options that close the left atrial appendage include minimally invasive options using the WATCHMAN FLX™ and AtriCure devices.

• Minimally invasive surgical options: Total thoracoscopic modified Maze (TTm Maze) and Convergent are minimally invasive procedures. They are used to treat chronic, long-standing or persistent atrial fibrillation.

• TTm Maze may be an option for patients who still have symptoms after multiple catheter ablations. Convergent may be an option for patients early in their treatment.
• TTm Maze and Convergent are staged and require two steps. In the procedures, a cardiac surgeon gains access to the heart through small incisions. Then, they create scars on the outside of the heart to disrupt the irregular flow of electricity that causes atrial fibrillation. Six weeks later, a cardiac electrophysiologist performs a catheter ablation. They use radiofrequency energy to create scars on the inside of the heart to disrupt the irregular flow of electricity that causes atrial fibrillation.
• Both TTm Maze and Convergent offer a “one-two punch” to eliminate atrial fibrillation.

• Open heart surgery: The “classic” or “cut and sew” Maze procedure is performed through an open chest incision. Electrical blocks or barriers to prevent atrial fibrillation are created in the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart with the goal of eliminating atrial fibrillation.