History of the Atrial Fibrillation Center

The University of Virginia cardiac electrophysiology section and laboratory was established in 1981 and was the first in the state of Virginia .  Since then the section has been offering comprehensive evaluations and treatments for all cardiac dysrhythmias with atrial fibrillation being a major emphasis. 

The interest in ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation at the University of Virginia began in the early 1990’s.  In the experimental laboratory, catheters and ablation techniques were modified, developed and tested.  These developments were then translated to the clinical laboratory in 1998.

Since 1998 the atrial fibrillation program has grown tremendously.  In FY 04 ablation for atrial fibrillation became our most common ablation procedure in the electrophysiology laboratory.

Ablations at UVA - 2004

Based our this experience, in April, 2004 we were awarded a Buchanan Grant for the establishment of UVa’s Atrial Fibrillation Center.

The goals of the AtrialFibrillation Center are:

  • To be a comprehensive educational resource for physicians and patients on atrial fibrillation
  • To provide the best state-of-the-art treatments for patients with atrial fibrillation
  • Have the ability to measure and compare outcomes of different treatment modalities
  • Maintain and enhance our national and international leadership in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Download PDF Version of Page

Get Acrobat Reader
Get Adobe Reader