How is atrial fibrillation surgery performed?

Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Frequent atrial fibrillation attacks with a rapid ventricular rate, in cases unresponsive to drug treatment, can be managed by atrioventricular node ablation followed by the placement of a ventricular demand or dual-chamber pacemaker. Other treatment methods include radiofrequency ablation, surgical operations, and implantation of atrial defibrillators. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the methods for atrial fibrillation ablation, and the indications for atrial fibrillation ablation have been expanded. However, the success rate remains suboptimal and the recurrence rate is relatively high. Currently, international guidelines still categorize radiofrequency ablation as a second-line treatment for atrial fibrillation, not as the first choice treatment.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What does atrial fibrillation mean?

Atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated as AF, is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. Medically, it is described as a disorderly and irregular heart rhythm without a rhythm in the atria. In layman's terms, for example, if our heartbeat is like people queuing up to buy tickets, normally everyone comes one by one in an orderly manner. Atrial fibrillation, however, is like everyone rushing to the ticketing area at once. Consequently, some people might run fast, others slow, some take up more space because they are heavier, and others less because they are thinner. Atrial fibrillation is similar to this scenario.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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What medicine is used for atrial fibrillation?

The current medications for atrial fibrillation mainly include three types: the first type controls the ventricular rate, which ensures the basic function of the patient's heart and minimizes the cardiac dysfunction caused by atrial fibrillation. This includes drugs such as receptor blockers and calcium channel antagonists, digoxin, amiodarone, and others. The second type of drugs are those used for cardioversion. The third type of drugs are those used to prevent embolism, which are anticoagulants. Currently, the main drugs include warfarin, new anticoagulants such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban, and intravenous medications like low molecular weight heparin calcium and nadroparin.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Nursing Care for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) refers to atrial fibrillation, caused primarily by organic heart diseases, commonly seen in coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary heart disease, as well as certain metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism. Patients with AF can experience impacts on cardiac function, and in severe cases, may develop heart failure. Nursing care primarily involves ensuring the patient rests and avoids excessive fatigue. Mild physical activities can be performed, and it is advisable to eat easily digestible foods and avoid spicy foods to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and lessen the burden on cardiac function. Attention should be paid to sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol, routinely checking the electrocardiogram (ECG), and seeking timely medical treatment at a hospital if special conditions arise.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can atrial fibrillation be cured?

Can atrial fibrillation be cured? Many patients often ask doctors this question, and the answer is affirmative. With the development of minimally invasive interventional treatment techniques, some patients with atrial fibrillation have been cured after radiofrequency ablation treatment and have not experienced any recurrence. As for which atrial fibrillation cases are suitable for radiofrequency ablation treatment, I suggest that if the atrial fibrillation recurs repeatedly and the symptoms are quite apparent, and the effect of medication is not ideal, one should consult a specialist cardiologist to see if radiofrequency ablation treatment is appropriate.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Can a normal heart rate have atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation includes paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and persistent atrial fibrillation. Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may have a normal heart rate during non-attack periods. In contrast, those with persistent atrial fibrillation continuously experience atrial fibrillation rates, presenting with irregular heart sounds of varying intensity. A normal electrocardiogram displays P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves. However, patients with atrial fibrillation either do not exhibit P waves or show irregularly sized, serrated P waves resembling dog teeth, suggesting atrial fibrillation. Therefore, although atrial fibrillation is associated with arrhythmias, individuals with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may have a normal heart rate but experience repeated palpitations, chest tightness, discomfort in the precordial region, and fatigue. Therefore, patients who frequently experience palpitations should undergo a 24-hour Holter monitor test or consider esophageal electrophysiological examinations to rule out arrhythmic disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. Hence, a normal heart rate does not exclude the presence of atrial fibrillation in individuals with corresponding symptoms.