High-intensity focused ultrasound for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on High-intensity focused ultrasound for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery.
Description
Atrial fibrillation is the irregular and rapid beating of the upper two chambers of the heart (the atria). It is the most common type of arrhythmia, affecting approximately 0.5% of the adult population. The incidence increases markedly with age.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation for atrial fibrillation can be performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass and is usually performed concomitant with another cardiac procedure. Electrophysiology testing is usually performed before the procedure to identify and map the source of the abnormal electrical signals. The procedure involves placing an ultrasound device on the outside of a beating heart, which delivers focused ultrasound energy across the wall of the heart. Absorption of the ultrasound energy creates a rise in temperature, which destroys the cardiac tissue within the focal area.
OPCS code:
Details
Surgical procedures
Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland
British Pacing and Electrophysiology Group
British Cardic Society
Contact details:
(for general enquiries or comments)
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
ip@nice.org.uk
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
