Posted by Ed Hefferon on April 30, 2001 at 20:05:36:
Reading the Board lately I have been happy to note all the positive reports on recent Maze procedures particularly those from Tom Glass and Bob Reiley who were in the same group with me at Ohio State in early October. I was the first surgery in that group but unfortunately my experience was not as good as theirs. For that reason, I thought I should weigh in so that the Board presents a balanced picture for those "thinking of it". It has been 17 weeks and I am still not in NSR. I am in a rhythm called A-flutter which is somewhat organized but not very comfortable. During the first three months I had both good and bad days--more bad than good--but I kept telling myself things were getting better because I wanted to believe they were. I had some episodes where my heart rate dropped to the low 50's and I was absolutely exhausted and times when it hovered around 115 and I felt relatively normal.
At around the twelve week mark while doing some very light exercise and I emphasize "very light", my rate went over 200 beats per minute. I contacted Ohio State and I was promptly put in touch with Dr. Cox who told me to see an Electro physiologist and then come see him. I did so and Dr. Cox said that the Electro physiologist confirmed what he thought--that is, that I still had a pathway open in the lower left atrium in an area he calls the Achilles Heel of the Maze procedure i.e. an area very difficult to freeze absolutely. Dr. Cox said he has had six or eight cases like mine and the solution is to ablate the area with a radio frequency procedure. I am scheduled to have that done on February 23rd. The problem is that not very many doctors have done this procedure and I will be another Ohio State "First" the thought of which does not thrill me. At least however, there is an option open and for that I am grateful and hopeful. I will keep the Board posted on developments.
Lastly, my thanks to Jack Drum for all his work on this very important Board.
Ed Hefferon