Doctor experience performing RF ablation

[Copaswinda]

In researching doctors to perform RF ablation for SVT, what should one ask besides the obvious? How many times should they have performed the procedure in order to give them the proper experience doing it? Is it proper to ask if they have had any failures and if so, what was the remedy or consequence?

[Copaswinda]

Cindy, how long had you had the SVT before you decided to do the ablation? What kind of SVT was it?

[Copaswinda]

Thanks very much, great info.

[chuparosa]

I think LBBBguy hit the nail on the head with regard to finding a doctor that you trust and have a good rapport with. And he's right about the discovery during the procedure too.

[LBBBguy]

As you can see, cindy's got all the bases covered and then some. I think first, try to find out as much as you can about the hospital you'd be getting the procedure done, and who the leading doctors are in your area. Don't know how urgent your case is, but if you've got the time, it doesn't hurt to do your research here. Maybe see a second EP or even third EP just to get their take on your case. You'll likely hear different things. I think all of the technical skills are obviously important, but I think it's also important to have a doctor that you feel a level of trust with, the bedside manner if you will.

The other thing I would ask is, and I think cindy has this covered above, but I want to maybe double up on this one is a.) what is Plan A based on what you can tell from my EKG and other tests performed and b.) what are the possible contingencies that might come up? I think b is important because he won't really know what's up until he gets in and does the EP study (and even that isn't always 100% conclusive). He may discover something that he won't be able to involve you in the discussion, and so he'll have to make a judgment call. It may be something you would have liked to have discussed prior to the procedure, but didn't think of it. Of course there's any number of contingencies of varying risk that could come up so he won't be able to cover them all, but it would still be good to run through some different scenarios to consider so you can go in feeling like your bases are covered.

[cindy707]

Just a couple of questions i asked were.....how many ablations have you done?  By yourself or w. another doc? Is this going to be done in a teaching hospital and if so will there be residents involved? How many patients have you lost during all of the ablations you have done? Will you be burning the areas or using cryogenics? Will you be going thru a vein or an artery? How many patients that you have done the procedure on that had the same exact diagnosis as mine were successful?  Does my problem look to you to be close to the sinus node? Where did you go to school at and what year did you start doing ablations? Would you recommend this is i was your mom or dad? How long will i be in the hospital? What type of drugs will you be using to set off the episodes? Will i be given amnesia medicine or put under with general anesthesia? How long after its done will we know if it worked? Will i be on any medications afterward? What is your plan if something bad happens to me on the table?  What are the chances that i wll be converted with an AED during the procedure? How long will this take outside of the mapping?  What happens if the problem is in the deep side of my heart will you be able to get to it? What will my limitations be after the procedure at home? What will i look for at home that will tell me something is wrong after its done? How long will it take my heart to heal and feel back to normal?  What are the percentages that you'll get everything?  Those are a few of the questions that i asked and i know there were more but maybe some of the other members can add to them.  Write them down, sit down with the doc and read off the list to him/her. Also ask them if their education covers, diagnostic, surgeries, EP mapping, ask if they are ACLS trained (advanced cardiac life support)....good luck and don't be afraid to ask....you are paying them alot of money or your ins. co. is so you have the right to ask these questions.....i know there is more but.....