Posted by Carl Plaskett on March 11, 2002 at 18:59:31:
In Reply to: Surgeons in San Diego/LA?? posted by Nina McDonald on March 11, 2002 at 16:28:53:
Nina: Without knowing how much afib is affecting your mom's lifestyle, I would say that it is too early in her treatment to be thinking that the Maze procedure is her only option.
I would recommend that she get a good electrophysiologist to evaluate her condition (perhaps by contacting someplace like the Cleveland Clinic to find out if they can give you the names of some EPs who refer difficult or senior cases to them from your area). Then, at least you will know that should a difficult ablation or the Maze be required, her doctor will not be resistant to such treatments (and he will probably stop using drugs earlier if they prove to be ineffective).
Click on the "Maze Surgeons" button at the top of the Alumni page to find some centers to which you might look for guidance. None from the LA or San Diego area are currently known by those of us who have been following this board for 1- 1/2 years.