Re: Ten Things Your Electrophysiologist Will Not Tell You About Lone Atrial Fibrillation

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Posted by Sarah on July 15, 2004 at 13:48:37:

In Reply to: Ten Things Your Electrophysiologist Will Not Tell You About Lone Atrial Fibrillation posted by L. Paul Teague on June 28, 2004 at 14:01:17:

Paul,

When I researched my AF, and found this board in 2002, I knew all the points on your 10pt list, by the time I saw Dr. Schweikert, EP at CC. He confirmed about 6/10 points, and "I" challenged him with the other points (having just had a friend get a Maze, for lone AF).

I was aware that my choice to have an EP ablation to the PVs, and areas inside the atrium...left and right sides, was taking a significantly greater surgical risk, than going Maze. What I, and Dr. S. didn't know, was how MANY places the heart tissue had developed over my 30yrs of living with AF, and it's advancing in seriousness.

I disagree with those who say they are "too chicken" to have Maze, and go with RF ablation!! Ablation stats for post surgery complications and mortalities, are not as good, or safe as Maze stats.

What I did, was trust the logic presented by Dr.S., with consult with the Maze surgeons at CC, that I was not a candidate for Maze, due to the suspision that I have some sick sinus syndrome traits, along with the fact that there were MANY spots to be ablated during the 8hr procedure, that could only be detected by EP mapping, during the procedure. Eight hours, and many, many burns! It had been described as like fourth of July...coming from all directions at once.

Maze surgery is unable use EP sensory probes during the surgery, so that they can find the tissue of other AF refractory, uncommon areas, and burn it at that time. They have to call in an EP, to do this, and a lot of times, have RF ablation with EP later.

For me...EP was the best "first step". I have done better than expected, but if I should develop arrhythmia again (years from now...or never), a Maze may then be my first choice....depending upon the circumstances.

I would have preferred the safer statistics of having a Maze, but was not a candidate due to the complicated nature of my AF history.

Sarah

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