Posted by Jim W. on December 18, 2003 at 11:51:56:
In Reply to: Re: PVA's posted by Henry Alken on December 18, 2003 at 09:54:32:
Henry & Carl,
The Maze procedure isn't talked about much on afibbers.org because it is a site(as you all know) for those with lone AF. Maze is contraindicated for the mass majority with lone AF, especially now with the rapidly advancing technology being used at several centers across the US. The complications of stenosis has been greatly reduced. Also, if you both started reading that site today, you would realize there is a great deal of discussion concerning PVAs (PVI), focal point ablation, different techniques from different centers across the country. Many, many doctors are being discussed.
I first learned about the CCF on that site, and from the owners book, "Afib-Towards a Cure". I must say because of what I learned there, I decided to go to the CCF for a PVI. It was done two months ago yesterday, and I have now been in NSR for 28 days(the first month was pretty rough though). Previously I was in AF 80% of the time. I had AF for 15 years. At this point I still can't say I am cured. I'll wait for my three month check-up.
Also, the "other" site deals with the "why" of AF, and "possible" cures for the reasons that may be causing AF in the first place. In a way, many there believe surgery is treating the symptoms, and not the root cause. I probably fall into that group eventhough I had a PVI. At this point, I am not sure what a "cure" is. To me, a true "cure" would be to find the true cause of AF and eliminate it be it due to genetics, lifestyle changes, or whatever.
I must say, I agree with Newman, "What is your point, Jack?"
Jim
- Re: PVA's Carl Plaskett 14:03:07 12/18/2003 (6)