Has anyone had an Ablation from Dr Patrick Tchou

[mattg1020]

I'm 52 and have battled A-Fib since 1999. I usually go to the ER about once a year to get back in rhythm. I've pretty much decided to finally have an Ablation. I'm in great shape work out constantly and feel like now would be the best time for me to undergo the procedure and finally get off the medication (Multaq). Has anyone had an Ablation performed by Dr. Tchou at the Cleveland Clinic?

[Jerry_NJ]

Yes, I think an ablation is a good idea.  I do it "in a moment" if I had a doctor who believed it would work on me.

As for a mini-maze, I had that done in 2007 when I had open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve.  Because I already had an enlarged left atrium my surgeon (Doylestown Heart Institute- PA) gave the maze about a 60% chance of working.  It lasted about one month, then back in permanent AFib.  I suppose that is the main reason my cardiologist and consulting EP are not willing to support me going for an ablation...they don't think it will work for me.

If you doctor thinks you have better than a 70% chance of a permanent fix, go for it is my advice.

If your surgeon specializes in ablation, and has lots of AFib ablations "under his belt" you have the best shot at a fix.

[mattg1020]

I checked out the Maze procedure and as a lone procedure I didn't think the risk was worth the reward. You have to go on a heart and lung pump(they stop your heart); but if they're in your heart already(valve, etc) then it has better results than the Ablation. I don't think my medication keeps me in normal sinus rhythm; I seem to go into A-Fib once a year. I have been in the ER about 8 times since 1999 and had to be converted the first time I was diagnosed with it. I don't want to go thru this when I'm older and not in as good a shape as I am now. THe amount of procedures that the Dr has is also a concern of mine. Thank-you.

[DeltaDawn23]

I have a friend who just had open heart valve replacement and a maze procedure at the Cleveland Clinic.  I can get the name of their surgeon if you like.  Cleveland Clinic has a reputation of being the best place in the midwest for heart procedures -- but you probably know that.  According to what I've been reading, an important point is how many of the procedures your doctor does.   Keep us posted on how you do -- I, too, have Afib since 2003 and may have an ablation in my future.    I have been on Norpace and Atenolol for the past year with no episodes, but do have some side effects.   Prior to the Norpace I was in the hospital twice in 4 months and had to be electroconverted -- an experience I'd prefer not to repeat.  My lifestyle is quite different now -- retired, less stress and my doctor wants me to go off the meds to see if I can get along without the Norpace.  I'm considering it, but not having any episodes has been really nice.  Did you end up in the ER despite being on meds?