Re: Ablation Risks Higher at Teaching Hospital?

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on February 06, 1999 at 16:58:45:

In Reply to: Ablation Risks Higher at Teaching Hospital? posted by Toni on February 06, 1999 at 14:23:17:






Dear Drs.
I am considering having RF Ablation for SVT performed by Dr. Lesh at UCSF.  I have complete confidence in Dr. Lesh, but the fact that UCSF is a teaching hospital makes me a bit nervous.  The Dr. is assisted by Fellows who are studying electrophysiology or who may have even completed EP studies.  Are the risks greater at a teaching hospital such as UCSF than at a private hospital?  I understand UCSF pioneered this procedure and that Dr. Lesh has an outstanding reputation.  Thank you.





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Dear Toni
I have trained at and currently work in a teaching hospital, so my answer is somewhat biased. However, I think teaching hospitals deliver outstanding care. Scientific studies have shown that for cardiac conditions, teaching hospitals, in general, produce better patient outcomes than community hospitals. They also have access to the latest research developments. Interns, residents, and fellows involved in your care are all trained doctors seeking advanced training in a particular field. Furthermore, they keep older doctors current in their knowledge base.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist.