Posted by Henry Alken on September 22, 2001 at 10:44:15:
In Reply to: Sucess rate/ Death rate posted by Bill Jocelyn on September 22, 2001 at 06:35:17:
Bill,
Question 1: Ablation Failure?
The fact is that Catheter Ablation does not work, except for the ablation of Atrial Flutter. It fails miserably, most of the time, for the ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.Question 2: Cleveland Clinic Maze Results?
There is a post on this message board from Osman Nasser, dated 1 August 2001, wherein Dr McCarthy answers some questions. Dr McCarthy states that he has performed 230 Maze operations with 0 deaths and 0 strokes.Question 3: Why doesn't everyone get a Maze?
The reason everyone is not having a Maze is because the thought of having your chest cut open with a saw, your body cooled down to 82 degrees, your heart stopped completely with an injection and being connected to a heart-lung machine is terrifying. They would prefer to continue taking medications.There are risks associated with the Maze just as in any other major surgical operation and not every Maze is perfect. This board discusses these factors.
Bill, I am a bloody British just as you are, born and raised in England. While I lived there, I had first hand experience with the insufferable arrogance and complacency of a British "attending" surgeon. When I asked him how he would go about performing the surgical procedure, he answered "That is no concern of yours".
There is a post on this board from a lady in England who has been told that she must wait 4 months for a cardioversion. The normal wait here in the U.S is 24 hours.
American doctors are the best in the world. An American surgeon saved my life (colon cancer, Stage C2).
I strongly suggest that you run, do not walk, to the nearest airport and fly to Cleveland.
That is what I am doing. My Maze is scheduled for October 17.
Best of luck to you,
Henry Alken,
Philadelphia, Pa. USA.
- Re: Sucess rate/ Death rate Carl Plaskett 11:39:54 9/22/2001 (0)