2 failed ablations-need recommendation for best EP Doctor

[Cowgirl37]

To:  The Medical doctor on this forum or anyone who has been through this nightmare.  I live in south florida but would be willing to travel.  Where is THE BEST FACILITY/DOCTORS for ablation procedures...period.  I realize that it might be right in my back yard (miami ?), but I need to know what you all think.    

I'm a 45 years old female.  I started out back in 1990 with an Open Chest ablation (i know, it's crazy and I was only 26 years old) it failed.  They went in thinking I had WPW and realized while they were in there that I had AVNRT.  Had another one in 1994 and they couldn't get to my av node because the first ablation created scar tissue.  During the second one they tried 19 times in the same place and got nothing accomplished because of the scar tissue.  They stopped short of total heart block and pace maker.  I've been on verapamil and other similar drugs for years.

I am revisting the idea again 17 years later because I'm having arrythmia's again that are really bad.  They want to put me on Tikosyn and I don't know what to do.  Was recently in the hospital for PVC's, Bigeminy, Trigeminy, Couplets...too many.  Feels like a popcorn popper.  It's still happening as we speak.  I see stars sometimes and can't bend down or they really go nuts.  My Blood pressure is so low I feel like I'm about to faint and then when I get the really hard beats after a skip, my head feels like it's going to explode.  I used to get AVNRT at around 220-240 BPM before the 1st ablation.  Now I don't get that per se, but these PVC's are worse.  At least with the AVNRT, I had a definite start and a definite stop (you know the thud and the releif you feel when the tachycardia stops).  The reports from the 2nd ablation say that I have a concealed 2nd accessory pathway?  

I'm seeing an EP specialist, for the first time since 1994 tomorrow.  I'll see what he says, but I want to go to the best place possible because of my history.  Thank you so much for any help you can provide.  Sorry to ramble on, but you all know how frustrating this is.  If I have to explain to one more nurse or doctor for that matter, that.... "YES, I DO FEEL THEM, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM...AND THEY HURT!!!"  They are taught otherwise I guess.  

[Momto3]

Hi Cowgirl,

Sorry you are having such a difficult time with the ectopics.  I have had two successful ablations and couldn't be happier with the results.  My ablations were for RVOT and LVOT.  

I live in NC, but am originally from OH.  I still travel to OH to see my EP so I understand the importance of finding the right doctor for your situation.  I had a tricky case to diagnose and I had wonderful care.  Is the Cleveland Clinic Florida facility near you?  at another Cleveland-based hospital, but I know there are some awesome doctors at the Clinic.  Check out their website; I found this doctor listed for their Florida facility.  If you are not satisfied with your visit tomorrow, maybe a 2nd opinion would be helpful

Marcelo Eduardo Helguera, M.D., F.A.C.C.  
Specialty Interests
Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac electrophysiology, catheter ablation, pacemakers, implantable defibrillators

Good luck tomorow.  Please let us know what you find out.

connie

[Brnvc]

I don't know his name right now. He's famous and there's a long wait but you can call and go for a consult now. You can get recommendations for Cleveland and the drs name from the forum on www.afibbers.org. Also, my EP in Calif. is compassionate and one of the best in the country, David S. Cannom at LA Cardiology Assoicates. But GO TO CLEVELAND for the procedure. Also, there's a place in France for the surgery... But go to afibbers.org first and ask for the best dr. They have a good supplement section there too. You should be taking magnesium, COQ10, L-Carnatine... Your drs are a mess!!!

[Momto3]

You may be thinking of Dr. Natale.  I know he is mentioned on the afibbers site.  Dr. Natale was with the CC, but is now in California.  

[pg1949]

Sorry to hear about your problems.  We can all relate!  I had an ablation 6 mos. ago at the Cleveland Clinic.  While waiting to be called,  I struck up a conversation with a man in the holding area.  He told me that this would be his 3rd ablation.  He was from Ft. Myers, Fl., and his Dr. there told him to quit screwing around and go to the Clinic.  He and his wife flew to Cleveland just for the ablation.  I wish you luck.

[Brnvc]

Yes, it was Dr. Natale. Interesting he's in California. My EP is there so if I need an ablation for my PVC's I may not have to go to Cleveland after all. Do you know where in California? Thanks!

[Momto3]

Dr. Natale has been treating patients at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.  According to an article in the 2/2/08 edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Natale will also be seeing patients in Cleveland at metroHealth Medical Center.  Ar you near San Francisco?  Either way, it's a lot closer than Cleveland : )

For the entire article:
http://www.cleveland.com/medical/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1201962618176160.xml&coll=2

[danwalter1122]

Best source of info:
http://www.afibbers.org/toboards.htm

[kim62]

I also agree to seek out the Cleveland CLinic. After 2 different Cardiologists here in NW Ohio, I referred to Clevelenad Clinic. Theyare the best! I was very please with the outcome and the care/treatment I received. You won't be dissapointed!

[kerbear]

I had my second ablation at MCG in Augusta, GA.  They had just added a floor for this EP/Cardiologist they got from Duke that everyone on this side of the eastern sea board was talking about.  The facility is amazing.  The Doctor's name is Berman.  Young, but knows his stuff.  The nurses were great also.  Beware, it is a teaching hospital so I had to give my medical history what seemed like a trillion times (3x cancer survivor, 3 cervical plates, etc. with over 35 major operation is ten years).  Check him out on line.  

[svtmom1213]

Anyone ever been to Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN?

[mariop]

I went to Cleveland Clinic for two ablations with Dr. Tchou, who is second in command.  I found him to be a great doctor to work with.  It takes 2-3 months to get an appointment.  However, you can ask to be placed on the cancellation list; incase someone cancels they will call you.