In treating atrial fibrillation (AF), this year has witnessed some real excitement. Â And not all the good news has to do with new pills. Recently, there has been a flurry of encouraging and objective news on ablating AF. Here are some comments on three notable studies that address three important questions: What are the ‘long-term’ […]
Category: AF ablation
In atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, things are changing for the better. And good news makes for good blog posts. How do I know times are changing? Because I heard an EP nurse say something stunning–a sign of a new era in electrophysiology. Recently, during an incredibly difficult PVC ablation, she whispered cautiously to herself, “I’d rather […]
Sometimes it is easy. The problem is in front of you and the solution is clear and defined. Sometimes though, the solution requires a journey–an odyssey, with a faithful companion. The experienced clinician knows this but the new patient does not. Recently, I found myself in a stressful situation; stressful for many reasons, not the […]
True or False: Local TV “health reporting” is a reliable source of medical information? Let me tell you a story, as a hint. Just when one thinks mainstream media cannot sink much lower, we witness this fantastically misleading and sophomoric reporting, on the complex treatment options for atrial fibrillation. Their moniker says that they are “working for […]
I hear it every day. The pattern is so repetitive. “I am so fatigued. I just wear out so easily. At the end the day, I am done.” The spouse may often add, “he is so short-winded, even little things.” Doc, I thought it was just my age, or stress, or that I am not […]
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Questions…
The patient asked me–in a very serious tone–a series of unusually frank questions. “You look young, how many ablations have you done? How many years of experience do you have? “I have read the success rate is 90% at ___ institute… What is your success rate?” Honestly, it caught me by surprise. For a brief moment, […]
I would follow the lead of our country’s first Mom. This is serious folks. We, as an American society, need to solve the obesity crisis. Â Not just for our physical health, but for our country’s financial stability. Reducing the spiraling costs of health care is wanted by all. Â So far, prevention of the diseases which […]
Have you ever had a cold beer after a mountain bike ride? Oh my! But does such indulgence put one at risk for an arrhythmia? Does alcohol exacerbate an existing arrhythmia? How much, if any, alcohol is acceptable? These are questions I am asked frequently. And for those asking, they are very important questions. I […]
This week I traveled to a major “arrhythmia institute” in the southern US. For a specialist in a rapidly evolving field, venturing out of the protected cocoon of one’s routine, to see other’s approach, especially those at major referral centers, is immensely helpful. Although trips like this do not count for CME, they are just […]
After reading this Washington Post story on the complexity of AF ablation decisions, I wrote, and wrote, and it just didn’t come together well. Â Not well enough to do the topic of AF ablation justice. Â Then this thoughtful email came. My question: How does a patient have even the faintest idea whose advice is better […]
Can a consumer (patient) really comparison shop for their health-care needs? It seems there are entrepreneurs who want to help. Check the specifics at this website. It will not take long. In this age of monopoly-money like health care charges, isn’t the notion of comparison shopping a joke? Sure, you might find one doctor charges […]