Posted by steve giddings on November 27, 2003 at 13:57:23:
In Reply to: Re: Should I just go for it? posted by Carley Mill on November 25, 2003 at 16:57:58:
I'm, one of the "older timers" I had the maze procedure at Georgetown by Dr. Cox in January 1999. I had a failed attempt at a PVA prior to the surgery. I was back in AF before I left the hospital. I have also sesen pictures of hearts subjected to ablative procedures in the early days of ablation. more scar than muscle.
The maze worked for me and I never regret having had it.
However, if I were faced with the same decision now, I would opt for a PVA at a center with demonstrated success. The numbers are just too good, and the recovery from the maze, while usually uneventful, is much longer than an ablation.
Just one comment, if you are male and going to the cath lab for an ablation, make sure that the protocol in use calls for placing the bladder catheter AFTER they give you the fentanyl and versed.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. We have so much to be thankful for.
Steve Giddings