National recommendations highlight team approach for treating complex atrial fibrillation
AFib Awareness Month brings attention to collaborative care for patients with persistent heart rhythm disorders.
9/2/2026
Dr. Stephen Thorp, Aspirus Cardiothoracic Surgeon
For patients living with persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib), finding the right treatment isn't always straightforward. New national recommendations released this summer emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to caring for complex AFib, encouraging cardiac surgeons and electrophysiologists to work together when determining treatment.
The updated recommendations outline best practices for hybrid convergent ablation programs and reinforce the importance of coordinated care throughout diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up. The guidance highlights collaboration between cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists and patients as a key component in determining the most appropriate treatment strategy for persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation.
"Persistent atrial fibrillation is a complex condition, and treatment shouldn't rely on a one-size-fits-all approach," said Stephen Thorp, MD, Aspirus Cardiothoracic Surgeon. "When cardiac surgeons and electrophysiologists evaluate patients together, we can better determine which treatment options are most appropriate based on the patient's condition, medical history and long-term goals."
For select patients, that collaborative evaluation may lead to hybrid surgical-electrophysiology ablation, a treatment that combines minimally invasive surgical ablation with catheter-based ablation. Rather than focusing on a single procedure, the multidisciplinary team develops a personalized treatment plan based on factors including the duration of AFib, previous treatments, overall heart health and the patient's symptoms.
The recommendations also emphasize that successful treatment extends beyond the procedure itself. Long-term follow-up, ongoing rhythm monitoring and collaboration between specialists help ensure patients continue receiving the most appropriate care as their condition changes over time.
"The procedure is only one part of the patient's journey," Thorp said. "What's equally important is having the right specialists involved from the beginning. Working together allows us to evaluate every available option and tailor treatment to each patient's needs."
An estimated 12.1 million Americans are expected to be living with atrial fibrillation by 2030, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because AFib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications, early evaluation remains an important step in helping patients understand their treatment options before the condition progresses.
Patients experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness should talk with their primary care provider about whether an evaluation by a heart specialist is appropriate.
For more information about atrial fibrillation treatment at Aspirus Health, visit aspirus.org.
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