Posted by Carl Plaskett on January 12, 2004 at 14:31:37:
In Reply to: Re: PVI Ablation that went BAD posted by Glenn Camp on January 12, 2004 at 13:12:45:
Glenn: I believe your state of confusion re: Henry's statement re: "ablations" in an "all-inclusive" context can be explained in the copy of the email he had received from Steve Giddings back in April,'02 (posted here a few days ago), in which Steve explained where the "problem area" is for most Mazers who need a "touch-up" ablation.
Henry probably SHOULD have said that he wouldn't have a PVA/PVI, which is done in the left atrium, and is much more difficult (hence Henry and many other Mazers prefer the idea of having the surgeon "see and touch" the heart); whereas the "touch-up" site is usually predictably in the right atrium, for which access is pretty easy. Steve's knowledgeable explanation to Henry while he was still suffering some six months post-maze obviously convinced Henry that there was little to fear from the touch-up, and the rest is history. (Angie's remarkable comeback was pretty inspiring as well!)
If only all cardiologists/doctors/EPs could so eloquently communicate with patients as Steve did via that great email, the trepidation that many afibbers suffer from lack of info, would be non-existant. Steve's expertise is invaluable to us, as is his firsthand knowledge, being a FORMER afibber and Maze vet. (Thanks, Steve!!)
I am GUESSING, but I would bet that Henry, if faced with some more aflutter, would consider another "touch-up" AT THE CC. This is unlikely now that he has been cured of all problems for about 18 months.
I don't share Henry's opinion of PVAs, but if one were necessary I would CURRENTLY consider ONLY a very FEW centers/physicians. They are NOT all alike!!!