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.
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