Convergent ablation is an advanced treatment for atrial fibrillation that comes back after other treatments. This hybrid procedure combines the expertise of both heart surgeons and electrophysiologists to correct the abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation.
During the procedure, your surgeon first creates small scars on the outside of the heart’s upper chambers using a minimally invasive approach. These scars help block the irregular electrical pathways. Then, a specialist uses catheter ablation to treat the inside of the heart. Working together, these two techniques create a more complete and effective treatment.
This combined approach typically offers better results for some patients by reducing the chance of atrial fibrillation returning and improving long-term heart rhythm control.