Keyhole Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Keyhole Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Keyhole atrial fibrillation ablation is performed through small holes between ribs and is very effective in patients in whom other treatments such as catheter (through the groin) treatments have failed or are not effective. The principle of this procedure is to isolate the left and right pulmonary veins using a clamp that is designed to interrupt the electrical continuity between the pulmonary veins and the heart, just like the catheter ablation strategy.

The advantage of surgical based therapies lies in the fact that a more visually guided and thorough ablation can be performed. In addition, obliteration of clot forming zones within the heart such as the left atrial appendage can be performed very safely using a left atrial clip. Access is via small telescopic incisions placed on either side of the chest.

For the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a heart lung machine is not required. When atrial fibrillation becomes more persistent in nature, or in patients in the early phase of permanent atrial fibrillation, a more aggressive keyhole therapy may be considered using the heart-lung machine. This is called The Maze Procedure. The Maze procedure includes further ablation lines in addition to pulmonary vein isolation and is extremely effective.

The risk of atrial fibrillation ablation in experienced hands is not high, considering that atrial fibrillation ablation itself has a recognized morbidity and mortality associated with its continued presence.

If you wish to discuss treatment of atrial fibrillation you should speak to your GP or cardiologist. Alternatively, you can contact us at The Keyhole London Heart Clinic using the BOOK AN APPOINTMENT button or visit the CONTACT page using the main menu at the top of the page.