An FDA advisory panel voted that the overall benefits outweighed the risks in afib ablations using the AtriCure Synergy bipolar radiofrequency clamp. This was based on the results of the ABLATE clinical trial for ablation of persistent or longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation during other heart surgery. The panel recommended that the FDA approve it, setting …
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A new mini maze procedure developed by Dr. John Sirak at Ohio State University is a promising new treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation as it closely replicates the "gold standard" Cox Maze III lesion set in the heart's left atrium. This “five box” thoracoscopic maze procedure may be better able to treat persistent AF specifically …
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Whether you're an atrial fibrillation patient or caregiver, or are just interested in learning more about afib, check out the new Get Started Learning About Atrial Fibrillation Guide at StopAfib.org. You'll find a wealth of information, including: what afib is and the problems it causes, including stroke and congestive heart failure information about an afib …
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An important session at Heart Rhythm Society 2010 was "Medical Issues After Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter." It dealt with what constitutes success following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (afib) and atrial flutter, and which is more important, the medical definition or the patient's definition. Which definition is used can have implications for treatment …
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Important new research from the STOP AF Study of people with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) shows a type of catheter ablation called cryoablation worked better than drugs to control arrhythmias. One year after treatment, 69.9% of people treated with cryoablation had no episodes of afib compared to 7.3% of those who were treated with anti-arrhythmic …
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Research shows the sooner an atrial fibrillation surgical procedure is done, the less likely afib is to recur. People in permanent atrial fibrillation who underwent surgery for other heart diseases and had a left atrial ablation procedure for AF at the same time were more likely to be afib-free if the procedure was done within …
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In this interview from Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium 2009, Dr. Ralph Damiano, cardiothoracic surgeon, talks about developing customized atrial fibrillation treatment procedures for individual afib patients, both by surgical maze procedure and catheter ablation. Learn more and see the video: Dr. Damiano on Customized Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
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A newly-posted video from an evening presentation by Dr. James Edgerton at Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium 2009 provides a rare glimpse into the evolution of atrial fibrillation surgery, including the mini maze procedure, and gives a peek at its future as well. See video from actual afib surgeries. Learn more and see the video: Dr. …
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Watch a radiofrequency catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a live webcast on December 18, 2008. For more information visit: http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/131
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The latest issue of Success magazine talks about Mellanie True Hills, founder of StopAfib.org, and her story of living with atrial fibrillation and having surgery to cure atrial fibrillation as well as launching StopAfib.org to save lives. Read: Success magazine shares the story of StopAfib.org founder Mellanie True Hills and her atrial fibrillation surgery
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