Hybrid Ablation

Hybrid ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation that combines surgical and catheter-based techniques.

Why choose UPMC in Central Pa. for hybrid ablation?

When you choose UPMC in Central Pa. for your electrical cardioversion, you will receive expert care from some of the region's most experienced cardiologists who treat all types of irregular heart rhythms.

Our physicians perform hundreds of hybrid ablation procedures each year using the latest technology and techniques. And, if you require additional cardiovascular care, the specialists at UPMC in Central Pa. have the skills and experience needed to perform advanced cardiovascular procedures and offer you the latest treatment options.

What is hybrid ablation?

Hybrid ablation is a minimally invasive option to treat persistent atrial fibrillation using a combination of surgical and catheter-based techniques.

The procedure, performed by both an electrophysiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon, creates scar tissue inside your heart using a catheter-based technique and on the surface of your heart using a thoracoscopic surgical procedure. The presence of scar tissue helps to "disconnect" the source of the irregular heart rhythm from the rest of your heart, thereby restoring your normal heart rhythm.

What happens during hybrid ablation?

Hybrid ablation involves a surgical procedure and a catheter procedure. You will be given IV medications and will be asleep during the procedure.

During the surgical procedure, your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your chest where he or she will insert surgical tools to perform the ablation. Your surgeon will use radiofrequency electrical energy or super-cooled nitrous oxide to create scar tissue in specific areas on the surface of your heart.

During the catheter procedure, your electrophysiologist will insert catheters into a vein, typically in your groin, and guide them to your heart. These special catheters deliver the energy required to create scar tissue in specific areas inside your heart.

What can I expect after hybrid ablation?

Only a few small chest incisions are required to perform hybrid ablation, which significantly reduces your risk of complications compared to traditional heart surgery. Other benefits of hybrid ablation include:

• Higher success rates and better long-term results
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay

You will remain in the hospital for a few days following your procedure, so you can be monitored by your doctor and our nursing staff. While you are in the hospital, your doctor will review your medications to determine if any changes or new medications are needed.

How long does it take to recover after hybrid ablation?

You can probably return to your normal routine two weeks after your procedure, but you should ask your doctor when you can return to work. You may be instructed not to drive for a certain amount of time after your procedure. It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended.

Providers 

Need more information?

Call UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at: 717-731-0101
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery: 717-231-8555

Request Information

Locations

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
1251 East Main Street
Suite 3
Annville, PA 17003
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2020 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-731-8359

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Office Building 2
2005 Technology Parkway
Suite 300
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Main Number: 717-988-5864
Fax: 717-231-8568

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
900 Century Drive
Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-591-3660 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-591-3661

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Professional Center of Newport
300 Bretz Court
Newport, PA 17074
Phone: 717-567-7246 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-567-2621

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Brady Building
205 South Front Street
4th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-231-8555
Fax: 717-231-8568

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2808 Old Post Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Adult Cardiology: 717-920-4400
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-920-4401

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
12 Saint Paul Drive
Suite 205
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-217-6889

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
2200
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
233 College Avenue
Suite 203
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-988-5864