Precision Care With Atrial Fibrillation Surgery at Dr. Udgeath Dhir’s Clinic
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition that affects millions of people globally. Characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, it can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
This common heart disorder occurs when electrical signals in the heart become irregular, causing the heart to beat rapidly and out of rhythm. A normal heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute, whereas atrial fibrillation can range from 100 to 175 beats per minute.
Many people experience AFib as a sudden, unpleasant sensation of their heart racing, but some people have subtle symptoms and are unaware of their AFib until it is diagnosed during a physical examination.
If you have Atrial Fibrillation symptoms, you should contact Dr Udgeath Dhir right away. Dr Dhir has a team of doctors who treat people who have atrial fibrillation. Fix your appointment today!
At Dr. Udgeath Dhir’s Clinic, located in the heart of Gurgaon and the Delhi NCR region, you can find world-class treatment options tailored to managing atrial fibrillation. With cutting-edge technology and expertise in cardiovascular surgery, Dr. Dhir is a trusted name when it comes to treating AFib patients through minimally invasive procedures and comprehensive care.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia, meaning it causes an irregular heartbeat. Instead of the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beating in a coordinated manner, they quiver or flutter. This irregularity can lead to reduced blood flow, increasing the risk of clots, stroke, and heart failure. Patients with AFib may experience symptoms such as:
- Palpitations or a fluttering feeling in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
The Importance of Treating Atrial Fibrillation
Left untreated, atrial fibrillation can have serious consequences. The condition increases the risk of stroke by five times and contributes significantly to the risk of heart failure.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation
Before exploring surgical options, many patients may undergo non-surgical treatments to manage their condition. Common non-surgical atrial fibrillation treatments include:
- Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs may help restore a normal heart rhythm, while anticoagulants like blood thinners can reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Electrical Cardioversion: This procedure involves delivering electric shocks to the heart to reset its rhythm.
- Catheter Ablation: A non-surgical procedure where catheters are used to destroy the areas of heart tissue causing the irregular heartbeat. This may be effective in many patients but may not be a permanent solution.
However, in cases where these treatments do not work or are not suitable, atrial fibrillation surgery may be the best option for long-term success.
How Atrial Fibrillation is Treated?
The maze procedure is used to treat atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. Scars are formed in strategic locations in the atria as a result of the maze procedure. This results in a maze of scar tissue that the surgeon can manipulate with cold energy (cryoablation). The maze can prevent AFib from being caused by faulty electrical signals.
During open-heart surgery for another heart condition, a maze procedure can be performed. It could also be a minimally invasive procedure (also known as a minimaze) with smaller incisions.
AFib can be treated with a maze procedure, which improves symptoms and quality of life.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
When medications or less invasive procedures fail to restore normal heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation surgery becomes a vital treatment option. It aims to eliminate the erratic electrical signals causing AFib by either creating scar tissue or destroying problematic tissue in the heart.
At Dr. Udgeath Dhir’s Clinic, patients can receive both traditional and minimally invasive surgical options for treating atrial fibrillation. Let’s explore the common types of atrial fibrillation heart surgery available:
- Maze Surgery
One of the most effective surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation is Maze surgery. This procedure involves creating a “maze” of scar tissue in the atria to block abnormal electrical impulses that cause AFib. There are two primary types of Maze surgery:
Surgical Maze Procedure: This is an open-heart surgery where incisions are made in the atria to create scar tissue. It is often performed during other heart surgeries, such as valve repair or coronary artery bypass.
Minimally Invasive Maze Procedure: Using video-assisted or robotic technology, surgeons create small incisions instead of the larger ones used in traditional surgery. This reduces recovery time and minimizes risks associated with open-heart surgery.
- Catheter Ablation Surgery
While catheter ablation is often considered a non-surgical treatment, it can also be performed as a more intensive surgical procedure. Surgeons insert catheters through veins or arteries and guide them to the heart to target the areas causing AFib. Radiofrequency or cryoablation (freezing) is used to create scar tissue that blocks abnormal signals.
- Hybrid Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
Hybrid surgery combines elements of both catheter ablation and minimally invasive surgical techniques. It is performed in collaboration between a cardiothoracic surgeon and an electrophysiologist. This combined approach improves the success rate of treating long-standing and complex cases of AFib.
What to Expect During Atrial Fibrillation Surgery?
Choosing atrial fibrillation heart surgery can be a life-changing decision for many patients.
Before Surgery
- Consultation and Diagnosis: Your treatment journey begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Dhir and his team. The diagnostic process may include electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and possibly Holter monitoring to assess the heart’s electrical activity.
- Pre-Surgical Preparations: Prior to surgery, you may need to discontinue certain medications, fast for a period, and undergo a full medical evaluation.
During Surgery
During the surgery itself, patients are typically placed under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery—whether traditional or minimally invasive—the length of the procedure can vary. For instance:
- Maze Surgery: This open-heart procedure may take several hours and is often performed alongside other cardiac surgeries.
- Catheter Ablation: Minimally invasive ablation surgeries typically last between 2 to 4 hours.
After Surgery
- Recovery Time: Recovery can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. Minimally invasive procedures typically result in shorter hospital stays (1-3 days), while open-heart surgeries may require longer recovery periods.
- Post-Surgical Care: You’ll be monitored for any complications and provided with a recovery plan that includes medications, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up appointments. Dr. Dhir’s team ensures you receive comprehensive post-surgical support.
What happens after the Atrial Fibrillation Surgery?
After the surgical ablation, you will be transferred to a recovery room where you will be awakened from anesthesia. You will be a little sore, but not in excruciating pain.
You may have a breathing tube in your throat. You may also have a tube in your chest to drain excess fluids. Typically, the tubes are removed two days after surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Udgeath Dhir ?
If you are seeking atrial fibrillation surgery in Gurgaon or heart failure surgery in Delhi NCR, Dr. Udgeath Dhir is one of the top choices in the region. Here are a few reasons why:
Expertise and Experience
Dr. Udgeath Dhir is an accomplished cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon with years of experience treating complex heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation.
Comprehensive Care
From initial diagnosis to post-surgery rehabilitation, Dr. Dhir and his dedicated team provide holistic care tailored to your specific needs.
Convenient Location
With a central location in Gurgaon and easy access from the broader Delhi NCR region, patients seeking atrial fibrillation surgery can benefit from world-class care without the need for extensive travel.
Focus on Minimally Invasive Procedures
Wherever possible, Dr. Dhir emphasizes minimally invasive surgical options. These procedures offer shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and less postoperative pain, allowing patients to return to their daily lives more quickly.
Post-Surgery Lifestyle and Long-Term Management
After surgery, it’s essential to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle to prevent the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. This includes:
- Healthy Diet: Focus on heart-healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity to strengthen your heart and overall cardiovascular health.
Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with Dr. Dhir’s team are crucial for monitoring your progress and adjusting your treatment plan as necessary.
Take Control of Your Heart Health with Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
With Dr. Udgeath Dhir, best cardiologist in gurgaon, patients have access to the best in atrial fibrillation treatment, including atrial fibrillation heart surgery. With a commitment to patient care and surgical excellence, Dr. Dhir and his team are ready to help you take control of your heart health.
If you are considering atrial fibrillation surgery in Gurgaon or Delhi NCR, contact Dr. Udgeath Dhir today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a healthier heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because atrial fibrillation is frequently caused by conditions that damage or strain the heart, making simple lifestyle changes to improve your heart health may help protect against AFib.
Some tests may be required to ensure that you are in good enough health for this open-heart surgery:
- Blood tests
- X-rays of the chest
- An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, is used to assess the heart rhythm.
- An echocardiogram, or echo, is used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
Complications can occur following any type of surgery, and they are more common in people who:
- Are older and significantly overweight
- Have some medical conditions
- Smoke
Dr Udgeath Dhir and his team will discuss your risks and how to mitigate them.