Atrial Fibrillation Convergent Hybrid Ablation: Patient Education Overview

This patient-facing educational resource explains the Convergent Hybrid Ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation, a two-stage treatment option designed for patients with persistent or long-standing AF who continue to have symptoms despite prior ablation procedures and medical therapy.

The handout clearly describes how traditional catheter ablation works and how the hybrid convergent approach differs by combining surgical epicardial ablation with catheter-based endocardial ablation. It outlines each stage of the procedure, including what to expect during surgery, hospitalization, and the follow-up catheter ablation performed in the electrophysiology lab. The resource also reviews candidacy criteria, pre-procedure testing, medication considerations (including anticoagulation), and preparation steps to support patient readiness and informed decision-making.

This resource supports standardized patient education, multidisciplinary care coordination between electrophysiology and cardiothoracic surgery teams, and shared understanding of advanced rhythm management strategies. It can be incorporated into AF clinic workflows, pre-procedure counseling, and educational materials for patients considering complex ablation options.