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• Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heartbeat.
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• AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke due to potential blood clots.
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• Symptoms can include palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
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• Treatment focuses on controlling heart rhythm or rate, reducing stroke risk through medications, lifestyle changes, and advanced procedures.
Overview
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
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• A condition where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly and too fast.
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• A major risk factor for stroke due to blood clot formation.
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• Blood clots can block brain blood vessels, leading to stroke.
• Age, especially in older adults over 60.
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• Heart conditions: hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure.
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• Medical conditions: thyroid disorders, lung diseases, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea.
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• Excessive alcohol, stimulants, certain medications.
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• Unhealthy lifestyle habits: smoking, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, stress.
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• Genetics and family history.
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• Electrolyte imbalances.
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• Previous heart surgeries or procedures.
Causes of AFib
Treatment Options for AFib
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Medications: Antiarrhythmics to control heart rhythm, anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk.
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Cardioversion: Electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
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Ablation: Catheter-based (PVI targets pulmonary veins) or surgical (Maze procedure) to eliminate AFib triggers.
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Lifestyle Changes: Manage conditions, avoid triggers, adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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Device Therapy: Pacemakers or ICDs.
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Patient Education and Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and education.
Ablation Techniques
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Endocardial Ablation: Catheter-based approach targeting abnormal heart tissue.
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Epicardial Ablation: Minimally invasive surgery targeting the heart's outer surface.
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Hybrid Convergent Ablation: Combination of both endocardial and epicardial ablation techniques.
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Single 2cm chest incision.
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Staged or performed simultaneously.
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Proven efficacy and safety.
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Performed by experienced healthcare professionals.
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Additional Procedures
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Left Atrial Appendage Clipping (LAA)
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Reduces the risk of stroke further by sealing off or removing the left atrial appendage.
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Beneficial for patients intolerant to long-term blood-thinning medications.
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May require additional 2cm incision or percutaneous route.
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Intraoperative Stroke Protection
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Specialized tools to reduce the risk of stroke during surgical procedures.
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Introduces dedicated filters to minimize the risk of stroke through a single needle incision, no additional surgery required.
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