Who Can Benefit from AFIB Care?
Our AFIB team can provide comprehensive care for people who:
- Have been diagnosed with AFIB.
- Have been diagnosed with AFIB but are not responding well to current medications and treatment.
- Are at high risk for stroke or other complications and require specialized treatment.
- Are seeking a second opinion.
What AFIB Treatments Do You Offer?
Our team is dedicated to applying the latest AFIB research and knowledge to provide the safest, most effective treatment options. UPMC AFIB experts:
- Have expertise in current, state-of-the-art AFIB treatments.
- Help people with AFIB manage a wide array of health goals, lifestyle choices, and care preferences.
- Educate people about AFIB. We know that people who understand their diagnosis are more active in their treatment, which can benefit their recovery.
Diagnostic services and procedures
We use the latest technology and techniques to diagnose AFIB, including:
Treatments
Medication
- For many people with AFIB, medications are the most helpful form of treatment. The goal of these medications is to prevent and treat blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. Sometimes other drugs are prescribed to control heart rate and rhythm.
- We offer a telehealth anticoagulation clinic to regulate dosages for people who take blood-thinning medications.
Nonsurgical procedures
- Cardioversion — Cardioversion delivers an electrical shock to the heart. The goal of this treatment is to interrupt the abnormal heart rhythm and return it to normal.
- Catheter ablation — Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold to destroy (ablate) a small amount of tissue on the inside of your heart that is causing an abnormal heart rhythm.
Surgical procedures
- Left atrial appendage ligation (LAL) — This minimally invasive procedure blocks off part of your heart where blood clots may form, called the left atrial appendage, reducing your risk of stroke. Your doctor may use a device called AtriClip to block off your left atrial appendage.
- MAZE procedure — Your surgeon will make tiny cuts on the outside of your heart, creating scars that block abnormal electrical signals. MAZE can be performed in several ways; as an open chest procedure, as a minimally invasive procedure through several small incisions in your chest, or as part of another open procedure such as coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Watchman procedure — The Watchman is an implanted device that blocks off the left atrial appendage. It is implanted using a catheter and reduces stroke risk in people who cannot take blood thinners.
Hybrid ablation
- Hybrid ablation — Hybrid ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that combines surgical and catheter ablation techniques to block abnormal electrical signals on the inside and outside of your heart.
What Can I Expect for My AFIB Care?
Our team includes general cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists, and other medical experts. They will create a comprehensive plan to manage your abnormal heart rhythm and reduce your risk of stroke.
Before your visit
To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:
- Name, address, and contact phone number
- Insurance information
- Rhythm strip or EKG that documents your AFIB
- An echocardiogram report and other cardiac test results
- Relevant medical records
- A referral, if required by your health insurance company
If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.
During your visit
When you arrive for your first appointment, you'll meet with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. He or she will ask about your medical history and AFIB symptoms.
We'll give you a:
- A tailored patient education packet for you to take home.
- Complete education session about AFIB symptoms, risks, and treatments.
Next, you'll meet with one of our doctors. The doctor will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had AFIB, your symptoms, and past health history.
Together, you will design and agree on a care plan.
Certain treatments may require:
- A stay in the hospital. We'll schedule your admission before you leave the office.
- Blood tests, an echocardiogram, or other tests.
After your visit
Our team will schedule follow-up appointments as needed to check how your treatment is working. You should contact our office if:
- You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
- You have any other concerns about your condition.
How Do I Get AFIB Care?
To make an appointment, call 1-855-876-2484.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
