Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) in which the right and left atrium (filling chambers of the heart) contract in an irregular manner. The atria do not contract at the same time as the ventricles (pumping chambers). Atrial fibrillation affects 1-2% of the population, and the incidence increases with age.
If untreated, the irregular rhythm can result in formation of thrombus (clot) in the atria. These clots may become dislodged and travel in the bloodstream to other areas of the body, resulting in stroke or blockages of major arteries. Atrial fibrillation can also result in heart failure due to the chronic rapid heart rate.
Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation with the standard Maze operation or the modified Maze III operation using radiofrequency energy is highly effective at eliminating the irregular rhythm. The GALAXY procedure is a minimally invasive operation suitable for certain patients that does not require open-heart surgery. Surgery is indicated for both isolated atrial fibrillation and for patients requiring simultaneous open-heart operations for other conditions, such as valvular or coronary artery disease.
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