In order for the heart to beat, it receives electrical stimulation or signals that start in the atria or upper chambers of the heart and then travel down to the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart.

Center for Atrial Fibrillation video

Atrial fibrillation is defined as chaotic or abnormal electrical signals or pathways in the atria, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. The irregular heartbeat does not allow the atria to contract or squeeze normally. Instead, the atria quiver, decreasing the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation affects about 2.4 million Americans, most of them over age 60. This condition is responsible for 15-20 percent of all strokes because of blood clot formation within the quivering atria.

< Blood clot removal from the atria to reduce stroke risk .
Please note: this video may be graphic in nature.

Because atrial fibrillation is a complex disease, the Center for Atrial Fibrillation at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, led by medical director Jeffrey J. Goldberger, MD and surgical director Richard Lee, MD, offers a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. After carefully reviewing the patient's medical history and cardiac evaluation, physicians discuss their recommendations for either medical and/or surgical treatment with the patient and the patient's referring physician and/or cardiologist.

Incorporating the patient's referring physician and/or cardiologist into the delivery of care, essentially expanding the "team approach" concept, is highly endorsed and practiced by the Center for Atrial Fibrillation. Patients are followed by atrial fibrillation nurse coordinator Jane Kruse, RN, who is available to answer questions and assist referring cardiologists with patient management.

Catheter (radiofrequency) ablation for the treatment of irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias was first performed in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1990 by Jeffrey J. Goldberger, MD. Dr. Goldberger is a leader in the field of cardiac electrophysiology having pioneered many of the procedures used today to treat atrial fibrillation. Catheter (radiofrequency) ablation is a non-surgical procedure performed in the electrophysiology laboratory incorporating advanced imaging techniques to optimize the success of the procedure.

A variety of surgical procedures that offer the most effective treatment options for atrial fibrillation are available through the Center for Atrial Fibrillation. Patrick M. McCarthy, MD is a nationally recognized expert of the classic Maze procedure. Since many patients experience both atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease, Dr. McCarthy frequently treats atrial fibrillation during mitral valve surgery.

Richard Lee, MD performs atrial fibrillation surgery via mini-thoracoscopic incisions on the beating heart.

< Mini-thoracoscopic approach.

Patients with atrial fibrillation treated at the Center for Atrial Fibrillation benefit from the most advanced medical and surgical techniques based on the latest evidence-based factors. Clinical research trials at the Center for Atrial Fibrillation focus on understanding the factors that predispose patients to atrial fibrillation and in developing new, less invasive means of treating atrial fibrillation.

Contact

For more information regarding atrial fibrillation, please call the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at 1-866-662-8467 or request a first time appointment online.