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Atrial Fibrillation Center
The Electrophysiology Service has established an Atrial Fibrillation Center to meet the specific needs of patients with this condition who are not easily controlled with medical treatment. Care at the center focuses on alternative forms of therapy, such as cardiac ablation and device therapy.

  What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
  Symptoms of AF
  Medical Treatment
  Device Therapy
  Catheter Ablation
  Anticoagulation Service (for patients taking blood thinners)

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia, which is characterized by fast and irregular heart rhythms. It is caused by electrical abnormalities located in the pulmonary veins of the left atrium.

What are the symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?
Individuals experience the symptoms of atrial fibrillation differently. Some who have this condition may not feel any symptoms, and their condition will go unnoticed until it is detected by a physician during a routine examination. Others may experience only minor symptoms, while some are sensitive to the slightest sensation. Symptoms commonly reported include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, palpitations, and/or chest discomfort.

Medical Treatment for AF
The initial treatment for atrial rhythm disorders is antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These drugs can slow the conduction of rapid atrial fibrillation and/or convert atrial fibrillation to a normal sinus rhythm. Drugs, however, do not cure heart rhythm disorders, and they are not effective in all patients. They also require that a patient maintain a very strict schedule of follow-up care with his or her physician. Many patients with atrial fibrillation require a blood thinner, such as Warafin, to prevent the formation of blood clots, which can cause a stroke.

An Anticoagulation Service has been established at Hackensack University Medical Center to meet the specific needs of patients who take blood thinning medication as part of their treatment. (Click here for information about the Anticoagulation Service.)
Catheter Ablation for AF
Catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique that sometimes offers a cure for patients with heart rhythm abnormalities. This procedure is an option for those patients who are not controlled by medical therapy. (For more information about this procedure, see Catheter Ablation.)

Device Therapy for AF
In a subset of patients with paroxysmal (intermittent) or persistent atrial fibrillation, devices can be used to either prevent atrial fibrillation or convert it to a normal sinus rhythm. These devices include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). (For more information, see see Pacemaker Implantation or ICD Insertion.)

Types of Devices Most Commonly Used: Some of the newer and more commonly used devices include:
  • St. Jude IdenityŽ XLDR Pacemaker
    A clinical study of the IdenityŽ XLDR Pacemaker showed that its specific pacing algorithm decreased episodes of atrial fibrillation. (For more information about the manufacturer of this device, click St. Jude Medical.)
  • Medtronic GEM IIIŽ AT ICD
    The GEMŽ III AT ICD is an implantable defibrillator that not only treats life threatening arrhythmia, but can convert atrial fibrillation back to a normal rhythm. If atrial fibrillation occurs, it delivers electrical therapy that restores the heart back to a normal rhythm. It is the only device approved for use in atrial fibrillation. (For more information about this device, click Medtronic.)
Anticoagulation Service (for patients taking blood thinners)
Hackensack University Medical Center established the Anticoagulation Service to meet the specific needs of patients who take blood-thinning medication. A patient on long-term anticoagulation drug therapy must be closely monitored to assure safe and effective treatment. The Anticoagulation Service helps these patients maintain optimal health though a coordinated process of care in partnership with the patient and his or her referring physician. (Click Anticoagulation Service for details about this program.)


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