Patients with longstanding atrial fibrillation (Afib) now have new surgical option available at Northwest Medical Center – Springdale

8/2/2023

Northwest Medical Center – Springdale is offering a new minimally-invasive procedure to treat patients suffering from longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (Afib) called the convergent procedure.

This team effort between cardiothoracic surgeon Alexander Wohler, M.D., and interventional cardiologist Michael Green, M.D., treats patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (Afib), a condition where the upper chambers of the heart (atrium) beat too fast and with irregular rhythm (fibrillation). Northwest Medical Center – Springdale is the only hospital in Northwest Arkansas currently offering the procedure.

Symptoms of Afib include a racing heart, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or dizziness. While medication or catheter ablation can successfully treat Afib, some patients’ symptoms return or persist. Now, with the convergent procedure, these patients are offered another treatment option.

“Dr. Wohler was the first in New York City to perform this procedure and now we’re proud to be the first in Northwest Arkansas to offer patients the convergent procedure,” said Dr. Green of Northwest Cardiology – Springdale. “This minimally-invasive approach provides an alternative treatment to keep patients with long-standing Afib in normal rhythm.”

A two-step process is used to block the abnormal electrical signals that cause an irregular heartbeat. First, the cardiothoracic surgeon makes a small incision just beneath the breast bone to gain access to the outside of the heart through the diaphragm. The surgeon then uses epicardial ablation to produce lesions (scar tissue) on the heart in order to block these signals.

Next, the left atrial appendage is clipped externally which will eliminate blood clot formation ultimately reducing the risk of stroke. By ablating the posterior wall, the majority of the heart has been successfully addressed. Historically, electrophysiologists have not been able to successfully ablate the posterior wall without risk of injury to the esophagus or the swallowing tube.

“By being able to reach under and behind the heart we are able to provide a more complete ablation for the patient. The result is often better long-term effects for the patient,” said Dr. Wohler of Northwest Heart and Vascular Institute.

In addition, the patient will no longer have to take long-term blood thinners thus eliminating the risk of bleeding from the medication.

Afib is the most common heart rhythm abnormality in the U.S. Patients with Afib often have other heart-related issues, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure or leaky valves.

If you or a loved-one notices symptoms of Afib, talk to your primary care provider. To find a physician near you, call (833) 757-WELL or visit NW-Physicians.com for more information.

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