Re: Atrial Fib

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on February 07, 1999 at 16:35:37:

In Reply to: Atrial Fib posted by Tom on February 06, 1999 at 18:31:08:






I am 51 years old and have had A-Fib. since 1981. Have been in chronic fib. for approximately the last ten years. Currently on Verapamil and one asprin per day. I am still very active but starting to have some problems with excercise,etc. I am very, very interested in catheter abalation and realize from what I read that it is not used presently for A-fib. but have heard second hand that it has had some limited use with some success.(My understanding is that the catheter procedure imitates the maze procedure to a certain extent, but obviously with no open heart surgery.) Are there in clinics or hospitals or doctors trying this for A-fib? I would even consider being in a study if that were possible. If it is not currently an option what is the outlook in the near future for this procedure. I don't mean to sound desperate but I would go anywhere to pursue catheter abalation of A-fib. if it were available and relatively safe. What do you think? Thanks so much for any help.   Tom
Tom




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Dear Tom
Cardiologists are experimenting with catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, but I feel it still has a long way to go before being successful. There are newer devices, called atrial defibrillators, that are also experimental that can be used to stop atrial fibrillation. However, in your case, there are better medicines for atrial fibrillation that could be tried before you should consider experimental therapies. You should see a cardiac electrophysiologist.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
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