New Atrial Fibrillation Surgery Improves Results

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Three months after surgery, only 5 percent of patients with the box lesion showed signs of atrial fibrillation, compared with 15 percent of the patients receiving the standard procedure. All patients in the box lesion group were free from atrial fibrillation after six months, compared with 90 percent of the other group, the researchers said.

More than 2 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and stroke. Medications can control the abnormal heart rhythms in some patients, as well as the risk of clotting, but only surgery can cure the disorder.

More information

The American Heart Association has more about atrial fibrillation.