Minimally Invasive Surgery for AFIB

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia. While once thought to be harmless, it is now known that atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke up to sevenfold.
There are a variety of approaches to treat atrial fibrillation, from medications to catheter-based ablation, as well as newer minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Illustrated here is my approach using a thoracoscope and a 2-inch of incision to apply a permanent clip to completely to occlude the left atrial appendage —(AtriClip PRO2 Device by AtriCure Corporation).

Along with a minimally invasive subxiphoid radiofrequency surgical ablation technique, patients like this 68-year-old can be restored back to normal sinus rhythm and taken off anticoagulant medications! By occluding the left atrial appendage, the risk of stroke for patients in a fib is markedly reduced!

Recent Posts

2026 Top Doctors in Cardiac Surgery

2026 Top Doctors in Cardiac Surgery

Honored that Philadelphia Magazine has recognized Dr. Louis Samuels, Dr. Alexandra Tuluca, and myself as 2026 Top Doctors in Cardiac Surgery. What makes this especially meaningful is that Jefferson Einstein’s legacy cardiac surgery program is the only program in...

read more
Transparency in Healthcare

Transparency in Healthcare

Patients deserve transparency, accountability, and excellence in healthcare. Public reporting of surgical outcomes isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a culture where quality matters every single day. From PHC4 and STS reporting to Leapfrog, Vizient, Medicare...

read more
Hantavirus – A Cause for Concern?

Hantavirus – A Cause for Concern?

Recent reports of a hantavirus case linked to a cruise ship have understandably raised concern, particularly with the possibility that this may involve a variant capable of limited person-to-person transmission. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare but serious...

read more
Don’t Ignore Chest Pain

Don’t Ignore Chest Pain

Chest pain is never something to ignore. This patient, at 76 years old, experienced chest discomfort for several weeks, especially with activity. Like many people, he hoped it would pass. It didn’t. When he finally came to the hospital, he was found to have had a...

read more
A Little About My Career

A Little About My Career

There are moments in a career that feel bigger than titles or accomplishments. This is one of them. I began my surgical journey at Jefferson Health, where I had the privilege of training under extraordinary mentors who shaped not only my career, but who I am as a...

read more

Featured

Pages

Questions? Comments?
Reach out to me here:

3 + 5 =

About The Author

Dr. Raymond Singer

Dr. Singer has been in practice since 1992 and has, to date, performed over 8,351 surgeries. His practice interests include complex valve, coronary and aneurysm surgery, as well as prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

 

2023 Top Doc

2023 Top Doc

 

TikTok