Atrial Fibrillation FAQs
Atrial fibrillation is a common type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) where the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and often too quickly. This can affect how efficiently your heart pumps blood.
Common atrial fibrillation symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations (fluttering or rapid heartbeats)
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Chest discomfort
Some people may not experience symptoms at all, which is why early diagnosis is important.
Atrial fibrillation can develop for several reasons. Common risk factors include ageing (especially over 60, high blood pressure, heart valve problems or heart failure, coronary artery disease, sleep apnoea, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, or thyroid disorders. In some cases, atrial fibrillation can occur without a clear cause—this is called idiopathic atrial fibrillation.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of the following:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A simple test that records the electrical activity of your heart.
- Holter Monitor: A portable ECG worn for 24-48 hours to detect intermittent atrial fibrillation episodes.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound scan of the heart to assess structure and function.
- Blood Tests and Imaging: To rule out underlying causes.
If atrial fibrillation is suspected, your GP or cardiologist may refer you to a specialist such as Mr Pick for further assessment.
Atrial fibrillation treatment is personalised and may include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing alcohol, improving sleep, managing stress, and exercising safely.
- Medications: To control heart rate, restore normal rhythm, or prevent blood clots (e.g., blood thinners).
- Catheter Ablation: A non-surgical procedure that uses energy to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing irregular signals.
- Surgery: Particularly for patients who haven’t responded to medication or catheter ablation.
Early treatment can significantly improve symptoms and reduce long-term complications like stroke.
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Surgery may be recommended when medications have not been effective or are poorly tolerated, catheter ablation has failed or is not suitable, you have persistent or long-standing atrial fibrillation, or you prefer a long-term solution or are undergoing heart surgery for another reason. Mr Pick specialises in surgical interventions that target the source of atrial fibrillation, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.
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You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You have asymptomatic atrial fibrillation that has not responded to other treatments
- You prefer a surgical approach with a shorter recovery time
- You are in good general health, with no need for open-heart surgery.
Each patient is individually assessed. A consultation with Mr Pick will help determine if this approach is right for you.
Minimally invasive atrial fibrillation surgery is a highly specialised procedure that treats atrial fibrillation without the need for traditional open-heart surgery. Mr Pick offers techniques such as:
- Thoracoscopic Ablation: Performed through small keyhole incisions using a camera and specialised instruments to isolate areas triggering atrial fibrillation.
- Mini-Maze Procedure: A modified version of the traditional maze surgery, designed to restore normal rhythm with less trauma to the chest.
The benefits of this approach include smaller incisions, less post-operative pain, reduced hospital stay, and a faster return to daily activities. It is a highly effective option for selected patients and offers durable rhythm control in many cases.
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During surgery: You will be under general anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes a few hours, depending on the technique used.
After surgery: Patients typically stay in hospital for a short period—usually around 3-5 days—for close monitoring to ensure a stable heart rhythm. Recovery continues at home, with most patients gradually returning to normal activities over the following 2-4 weeks. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to track progress, assess heart rhythm stability, and adjust any medications as needed to support ongoing recovery and long-term health.
Most patients report an improvement in symptoms and quality of life within weeks of surgery.
All surgeries carry some risks, but complications from minimally invasive atrial fibrillation procedures are relatively low. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, or recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Mr Pick will discuss these risks with you in detail before your procedure.
Success rates:
Minimally invasive surgical ablation has high success rates—up to 80-90% in appropriately selected patients. Outcomes are especially promising when surgery is performed early and by a skilled specialist like Mr Pick.
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Mr Adrian Pick is a highly regarded cardiothoracic surgeon with extensive experience in treating complex cardiac rhythm disorders. His AFib Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalised care, with a strong focus on minimally invasive AFib surgery. Mr Pick’s specialised expertise in thoracoscopic and mini-maze techniques ensures patients receive cutting-edge surgical treatment in a supportive, patient-focused environment. He works closely with referring GPs and cardiologists to deliver seamless, multidisciplinary care and long-term rhythm management tailored to each patient.
If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib and would like to explore your treatment options, or if you’re a GP or cardiologist seeking a specialist referral, please contact Mr Adrian Pick’s AFib Clinic. Referrals can be made directly by your GP or treating specialist.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more, please call (03) 9509 9577, fill out our referral form, or visit our contact page.