For Some AFib Patients, Minimally Invasive Surgery Should Be Discussed - Takeaways - MDSpire

For Some AFib Patients, Minimally Invasive Surgery Should Be Discussed

A Keck Medicine of USC cardiothoracic surgeon explains why epicardial ablation may be the right treatment for some patients with longstanding persistent AFib.

  • By

  • February 10, 2026

  • 7 min

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  • 1

    Epicardial ablation may be a suitable treatment for patients with longstanding persistent AFib who do not respond well to medications or endocardial ablation.

  • 2

    Symptomatic longstanding persistent AFib accounts for 10%-20% of AFib cases, and traditional treatments may not effectively resolve their symptoms.

  • 3

    Patients often do not discuss surgical options early, leading to prolonged suffering while waiting for endocardial ablation outcomes.

  • 4

    A hybrid approach involving both electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons may yield better outcomes for patients with longstanding persistent AFib.

  • 5

    Educating both patients and physicians about surgical options can improve treatment decisions and patient satisfaction in AFib management.

Original Source(s)

For Some AFib Patients, Minimally Invasive Surgery Should Be Discussed

  • by

  • February 10, 2026

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