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Subject: Re: atrial fibrilation I heard on the news that there is a new surgery for atrial fibrilation, I think it is being done in indianapolis hospital. and cleveland clinic. I would like any info concerning this subject. thank you ___ Dear Sylvia, I believe what you speak of is the maze procedure and this is an open heart surgical procedure whereby the technique is aimed at preventing the circuit of a.fib from continuing it's electrical disarray by cutting through mapped areas of the atria (upper chambers of the heart). If a patient has atrial fibrillation and has failed every medical attempt to put the patient back in sinus rhythm, then usually it is the specialized cardiologist called an electrophysiologist who deals in heart rhythms only that has done all that s/he can and might suggest along with the patient's general cardiologist such a procedure. Certainly, surgery with its inherent risks is not a first line therapy. It would be best for you to discuss this with your cardiologist, preferably an electrophysiologist who knows all the facts regarding your health and atrial fibrillation. If you would like the opinion of an electrophysiologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, simply call 1-800-CCF-CARE and ask for one of the EP cardiologists at desk F15 (for example, there is Dr.Kidwell, Dr.Cheung, and Dr.Tchou.) Good Luck. And please write back with any further questions, especially if there is any point you do not understand in what I have said, especially since I am guessing at what your question refers to. Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s). |
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