Transforming Lives: How AtriCure’s Innovations are Saving Lives

What is Afib?

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting over 59 million people worldwide¹. Afib increases the risk of stroke 5X and can significantly diminish quality of life^2-4. Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations often go unrecognized, leading to delayed diagnosis. Without appropriate treatment, Afib can result in severe complications, including heart failure and cognitive decline⁵.

Traditional management strategies, primarily focusing on medication and catheter ablation, may not be sufficient for all patients, especially those undergoing cardiac surgery for other conditions. Addressing Afib during cardiac surgery presents a critical opportunity to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.

With appropriate intervention, patients’ survival rate can be equivalent to those who never had Afib⁶.

AtriCure Innovations to Improve Patient Care

AtriCure’s concomitant surgical ablation solutions offer a transformative approach to treating atrial fibrillation (Afib) in patients already undergoing cardiac surgery for other conditions. By integrating Afib treatment into procedures such as valve repair or coronary artery bypass, AtriCure enables surgeons to address this life-altering arrhythmia without requiring a separate intervention—streamlining care and reducing patient risk.

AtriCure’s radiofrequency devices create lesions on the heart which block the erratic electrical signals that Afib causes. At the heart of this innovation is a dynamic monitoring algorithm that evaluates tissue response to radiofrequency energy 50 times per second. This real-time feedback allows for the creation of precise, column-shaped lesions tailored to the tissue’s unique length, width, and composition. The result is a highly customized and effective ablation that supports the restoration of normal sinus rhythm.

Restoring sinus rhythm is more than a procedural goal—it’s a critical step toward improving a patient’s quality of life and long-term health. Afib is associated with increased risks of stroke, heart failure, and reduced life expectancy. By addressing it during cardiac surgery, AtriCure’s solution not only enhances surgical outcomes but also aligns with Class 1a guidelines from leading cardiac societies, which strongly recommend surgical ablation for eligible patients.

For cardiac surgeons, AtriCure’s solution represents a convergence of precision technology and evidence-based practice—enabling rhythm control to be addressed proactively and effectively during index cardiac procedures.

A New Beat: How One Surgery Helped Dorsey Reclaim His Rhythm

Dorsey Wheeler, a dedicated music store owner, experienced a decline in his health due to aortic valve disease, coronary artery disease, and Afib. His symptoms, including fatigue and breathlessness, hindered his daily activities and passion for music. Upon evaluation, his doctor recommended a comprehensive surgical approach to address all three conditions concomitantly.

During open-heart surgery, Dorsey underwent valve and coronary repairs, along with surgical ablation and left atrial appendage exclusion. Postoperatively, Dorsey returned to normal sinus rhythm, regaining his energy and enthusiasm for life and music. His story exemplifies the transformative impact of concomitant surgical ablation, highlighting its role in enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.