Posted by Carl Plaskett on June 04, 2001 at 20:42:25:
In Reply to: Maze Procedure in Future posted by Dave Funderburg on June 04, 2001 at 16:57:19:
Dave, as you read this, Harry Small, from a little South of Atlanta, is at the Cleveland Clinic, preparing to start tests on Tuesday for his upcoming Maze, atrium reduction, and a valve repair. You can see his recent post "The Maze and a Whole Lot More" to get a complete description.
As Ed said, we and others have been very impressed with the care and professionalism at the CC. It is hard to argue with their successes and their continuous highest ranking (by physicians) in US News...
It is also hard to argue with the treatment received by others by Dr. Geiss in Peoria; Dr. Millar at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City (who has probably done 150+); Dr. Barnes at St. Lukes in Boise, Idaho: and others who have done the maze. This is apparently pretty technical surgery, according to some of our customers, 3 reknowned pediatric cardiac surgeons (who have even operated on the hearts of infants in the womb). They would not do the maze themselves, and understood why I went to where successful ones had been done. There are no "dummies" doing these surgeries, but there are some with more experience than others. I would have preferred having closer contact with the surgeon after surgery, but my health plan (Aetna HMO) had the CC as a "Preferred Provider Organization", so I went there half by default and half because I was impressed with their record.
Going to Cleveland does mean you might get to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (MY wife and Rob Hamill liked the art museum, just down the street).
I would not worry about being at a remote location. MOST of the recent mazers have been home within a week after surgery. I started my testing (some of which could have been done locally and sent to the CC) and was released the next Wed.,and was in my own bed the next night.
I just remembered, there is a maze surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, but they were not on Aetna's program. That is certainly fairly close by if you want to ride in a car for a few hours instead of flying a little farther.
I would recommend calling some of these centers and sending your history, along with a copy of a recent echo and whatever else they want and then talk to them on the phone or go for a personal consult. I believe Ed Wehan had several personal interviews with surgeons before he made his decision.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask more questions of any of us (or doctors!).