Arrhythmia surgery treats abnormal heart rhythms by creating small scars, freezing or heating tissue, or removing the source of irregular beats. It is most often used for atrial fibrillation, in which the upper chambers quiver instead of beating regularly. The operation may include closing the left atrial appendage, a small pouch where clots tend to form, to lower the risk of stroke.

A heart and vascular specialist in Mumbai at Apex recommends this surgery when medicines or catheter treatment have not worked, or when the patient is already having another heart operation, such as valve surgery or bypass. Rhythm monitoring, echocardiography and occasionally CT scans help in planning. The electrophysiologist and the surgeon discuss the choice of technique, including the Maze procedure and hybrid approaches.

After surgery, the rhythm may be unsettled for the first weeks as the heart heals, and rhythm medicines and blood thinners are often continued for a few months. Follow-up includes ECG and Holter monitoring to check whether sinus rhythm has been restored. Patients are told which symptoms to report, such as palpitations or dizziness, and when it is safe to resume exercise and driving.

How the Procedure Can Help

It can restore a regular rhythm and may reduce symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness and tiredness. Closing the left atrial appendage may lower long-term stroke risk, and some patients are able to reduce or stop rhythm medicines.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding, infection, stroke, injury to nearby structures, the need for a pacemaker and return of the arrhythmia. Success rates vary with the type and duration of atrial fibrillation. Fever, chest pain, fainting, breathlessness or sudden weakness after surgery needs urgent medical attention.