new laser surgery for pvcs

Posted by Kelli B. on June 06, 1999 at 11:56:09
My 61 year old father has been diagnosed with having pvcs and has been told that he has an extra valve in one of his ventricles.  He's had the arrhythmias for years, but only in the last 6 months or so they have become so frequent and severe that they have interfered with his normal daily routines.  He states that he gets confused, light-headed, has tachycardia, and his blood pressure rises.  His doctor has arranged for him to have a home monitor to record his heart activity and thinks he would be a good candidate for a "new laser surgery" to correct his problem.  This is where my question comes in.  I haven't been able to find info on this surgery.  Can you help?  The only thing I know about it is that the laser surgery is supposed to shock his heart back into normal rhythm.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 06, 1999 at 12:04:28
Dear Kelli
I am aware of no laser surgery for PVCs. In rare cases, radiofrequency current can be used to treat PVCs, but this is typically in younger patients. It sounds like he needs a full evaluation by a cardiologist, including for coronary artery disease.
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 at Desk F15.