A fib drugs/surgery

I am a 52 yr old male with lone atrial fibrillation that started at at age 45. In the beginning the a-fib eposodes where sparse but now I am in a-fib about every 10 hours every 3 days. I am presently taking asprin and beta blockers  ziac-5 to control hypertension and to try to control the A-fib eposodes. I also use propaninol when the afib eposode becomes extended. My cardiologist feels it is time to graduate to flecinide to control the A-fib. After investigating flecinide I have some concerns about the side affects such as if it creates a new arrythmia. Is that new arrythmia temporary of permenent? Would RF abolation be a better option? Would the maze technigue be the way to go? My cardiologist is affilated with St Josephs hospital on LI or should I come to you in Cleveland for this a procedure like this? Thank you for any informatin you send my way.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Correction tot he phone number above it should be 1-800-223-2273 ext 49220.  Best wishes.