Atrial fibrillation patient info: PVI ablation for AFIB
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that usually begins in one or more of the pulmonary veins. Pulmonary veins are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. When the heart’s electrical rhythm is disrupted due to AFib, the heart beats very quickly and chaotically and prevents blood from being pumped efficiently.
Signs & Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
AFib can lead to stroke, heart failure, chronic fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, fainting, and a significant reduction in quality of life, among other symptoms.
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Atrial fibrillation treatment options
How to Treat Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Fortunately, there are many successful electrophysiology methods cardiologists use to treat AFib and restore normal heart rhythm and/or control heart rate. The approach taken depends on factors such as the type and severity of the arrhythmia, prior treatments, and other medical conditions. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, catheter laser ablation procedures, and heart surgery.
PVI Catheter Ablation Procedure: How It Works
When lifestyle changes and medication are not effective enough to address AFib, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a common next step. During this minimally-invasive surgical procedure, a catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and advanced into the atria of the heart. The energy delivered from this catheter is used to create scar tissue. The scar tissue serves to block the electrical signals causing AFib and thereby electrically isolate the pulmonary veins from the atrium. This allows the heart to beat with a normal rhythm once again.
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