Treatments for Afib and Stroke Prevention
At UI Health, we use the latest technology to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), prevent blood clots, and help reduce the risk of stroke. Our experts specialize in minimally invasive procedures that help restore normal heart rhythm and prevent dangerous blood clots.
Minimally Invasive Therapies to Treat Afib
Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation
The cryoballoon uses “cryo” (cold) energy to safely freeze and block abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause AFib. This treatment has been proven to be effective and safe, especially for patients with paroxysmal AFib (AFib that comes and goes). UI Health’s heart specialists are national leaders in cryoballoon therapy and even train other doctors on this advanced technique.
UI Health electrophysiologists are experts in the use of cryoballoon technology and routinely train other physicians on its use.
Pulsed Field Ablation
New ablative technologies continue to provide the potential for increased safety and efficacy in treating Atrial fibrillation. Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) represents a new approach to Afib treatment using electrical pulses to to stop irregular heartbeats from triggering atrial fibrillation. As this technology becomes more widely available, our experts at UIC will work to provide the latest technologies to serve our patients better.
Advanced 3D Mapping Systems
One of the biggest challenges in treating AFib is finding the exact spots where abnormal electrical signals start. It enables heart rhythm specialists to precisely locate areas of electrical disturbances and irregularities to eliminate them.
At UI Health, we use the most advanced 3D mapping technologies , similar to GPS, to create a detailed heart map. This helps our specialists:
- Find the source of AFib faster
- Reduce radiation exposure: UIH represents a leader in radiation reduction approaches with over 90% of our ablative procedures being entirely radiation free.
- Make procedures safer and more precise
Left Atrial Appendage Closure
For some patients with AFib, blood thinners are commonly prescribed to help prevent clots that could lead to a stroke. However, if you can not take blood thinners due to bleeding risks, there is an alternative option.
A small implantable device can be placed in the left atrial appendage of the heart—an area where blood clots often form in AFib patients. By sealing off this space, the device helps significantly lower the risk of stroke without requiring lifelong blood thinners.
