VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Vanderbilt Heart

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm of the upper chambers of the heart. It is the most common heart rhythm problem and affects over 3 million Americans.

The Vanderbilt Heart Center for Atrial Fibrillation has the expertise to treat patients with atrial fibrillation.  Using state-of-the-art techniques and therapies, our cardiac specialists tailor each patient's treatment to his or her needs. The Center seeks to better understand the causes of arrhythmia, apply new therapies to better treat the disease, and use a patient's genetic information to tailor a personalized, more effective treatment plan.

We work as a team — cardiac arrhythmia doctors (electrophysiologists), cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and specially trained nurses and research scientists  — to offer our patients the best care possible.  Clinical research is a vital part of the program. Our doctors and surgeons work with other scientists to advance care and understand the causes of atrial fibrillation. 

Genetic Research
Vanderbilt Heart is researching how atrial fibrillation may be inherited. We  have more than 1500 volunteers participating, and our bank of information has become an internationally known resource. Learn more.

Surgical Specialty
Wre specialize in surgery-based atrial fibrillation ablations. This procedure, often performed using minimally invasive techniques, disrupts the electrical pathways responsible for atrial fibrillation. Early results show that this could provide a cure.

Hybrid Approach
In Vanderbilt's Hybrid Operating Room, cardiac surgeons use a procedure called ablation on both the inside and the outside of the heart. Vanderbilt's doctors were the first in the state to use this two-pronged hybrid approach to treating AF. It's less invasive than older ways of ablation, and carries less risk of side effects.


Providers

Arrhythmia/ Electrophysiology:
Dawood Darbar, M.D., Ph.D.
Christopher R. Ellis, M.D.
Pablo J. Saavedra, M.D.
S. Patrick Whalen, M.D.

Cardiac Surgery:
Steven J. Hoff, M.D.
Michael R. Petracek, M.D.

Kristie D. Walker, ACNP-BC
Gayle Kucera, RN
Megan Streur, FNP-BC
Tanya Stubblefield, RN

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