Understanding Arrhythmia Surgery
Minimally Invasive & Open Heart
Many people experience irregular heart rhythms, with atrial fibrillation being the most common. This condition, where the atria beat out of sync with the ventricles, can cause blood clots and strokes, as well as reduced heart efficiency and fatigue. While medication manages many cases, some require surgery.
Approaches
Atrial Ablation
A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted through a vein, typically through the neck or groin and guided into the heart.
The catheter delivers hot or cold energy to the heart tissue, creating scars that block irregular or abnormal heart rhythms.
Hybrid Surgical/Catheter Ablation
Small incisions are made in the chest.
A catheter is inserted to treat the arrhythmia-causing signals.
Atrial Appendage Closure
Uses a catheter to insert a special device to close or block the atrial appendage.
The area is sewn or stapled closed.
Atrial Ablation
Performed using hot or cold energy to create scar lines in the heart, which blocks the electrical signals causing the arrhythmia.
Atrial Appendage Closure
Uses a catheter to insert a special device to close or block the atrial appendage.
The area is sewn or stapled closed.
Conditions Treated
Surgery is recommended for patients with:
Minimally Invasive
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
Open Heart
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Usually Atrial Fibrillation That Presents With Other Complex Heart Conditions (E.g. Multiple Coronary Blockages & Multiple Valve Diseases At The Same Time)
What to expect
Before Surgery
Minimally Invasive & Open Heart
- Τhorough assessment including medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging (e.g., echocardiogram, CT scan).
- Consultation with (Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis to explore minimally invasive & open heart options, their potential benefits & risks, and if patient qualifies for minimally invasive surgery.
During Surgery
Minimally Invasive
- General anaesthesia administered for comfort.
- Radiofrequency ablation performed using the Cobra-Fusion device through small incisions, minimising tissue trauma.
Open Heart
- General anaesthesia administered for comfort.
- Radiofrequency ablation performed during open-heart surgery, which involves opening the chest cavity.
After Surgery
Minimally Invasive
- Usually 1 day in ICU & 3-4 days in general ward.
- Faster mobilisation and return to daily activities.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.
Open Heart
- Usually 2 days in ICU & 5-7 days in general ward.
- Slower mobilisation while in recovery.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.
Benefits
Minimally Invasive
- Smaller Incisions
- Minimal Scarring
- Faster Mobilisation & Improved Recovery
- Less Infection
- Less Blood Loss
- Less Trauma
- Less Arrhythmia
- Better Lung function in the early stage
- Better Cosmetic Effect
Open Heart
Reserved For Risky & Complex Situations
Contact Us
Are you ready to take the next step in your heart health journey? Our team at Theo Kofidis Cardiac Surgery is here to ensure a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish. Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
