Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a non-invasive procedure during which an electrical shock is delivered to the heart. Doing so resets the heart and, most times, will restore a normal rhythm.

Cardioversion does not cure atrial fibrillation, but is part of a treatment approach in many patients.

This procedure is performed under sedation so that the patient doesn't feel or remember anything.

Convergent hybrid ablation

The convergent procedure is used to treat patients with both early and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation.

The procedure is performed by a cardiac surgeon and electrophysiologist using radiofrequency to block irregular electrical signals by creating scar tissue on the heart.

Benefits of the minimally invasive convergent hybrid ablation include: 

• A shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
• Increased reduction in returning atrial fibrillation
• A complete ablation on both the inside and outside of the heart
• Decreased risk of stroke

Cryotherapy ablation (cryo)

Cryotherapy ablation (cryo) provides is a similar procedure to radiofrequency ablation except in the type of energy used. Instead of using RF (heat) energy, cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures applied through specialized catheters to alter the cardiac cell’s capacity to conduct electrical impulses.

The latest technology for the treatment of paroxysmal AF—the cryoballoon—is an efficient approach in the treatment of AF and is associated with successful ablation and low complication rates.

The Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas electrophysiology department was the leading research site in the United States for the cryoballoon and performed the first procedure in North Texas.

CT scan

A CT scan provides invaluable, detailed information about the heart and renders 3D images that help us treat atrial fibrillation in Dallas.

Laser lead extraction

A laser lead extraction is the removal of one or more leads from inside the heart that is connected to the implantable device.

A lead may be removed for any of the following reasons:

• Damage to the inside or outside of the lead
• Large amounts of scar tissue forming at the tip of the lead
• An infection at the site of the device and/or lead
• Blockage of the vein by a clot or scar tissue

The lead is extracted through the subclavian vein. A laser light is attached to a sheath to serve as a guide to the lead. Once there, the light will break up the scar tissue and the lead will be removed.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion therapy

The left atrial appendage is the main source of blood clots in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.

LAA occlusion is supported by research to significantly reduce a patient's risk of having a stroke. Closure methods include surgical and catheter-based approaches.

One of these approaches is using the Watchman™ device. This quarter-sized device is inserted through a catheter and placed on the left side of the heart permanently sealing the LAA and preventing clots from entering the circulatory system.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a procedure that can cure many types of heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

RF uses a low voltage, high-frequency electrical energy in many applications, including electrocautery. The electrophysiologist uses special catheters to deliver the energy to specific locations within the heart to provide curative interventions for AFib.

Surgical maze procedure

This procedure is performed in the operating room and requires one or more incisions.

During this procedure, the surgeon will apply energy to the outer surface of the heart and pulmonary veins in an effort to eliminate the conduction pathways of AFib.

Some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive approach while others may necessitate surgical treatment here in our Dallas heart center.