Entries Tagged as 'Cure'

Having Atrial Fibrillation Procedure Within Two Years Slashes Risk of Afib Recurrence

Research shows the sooner an atrial fibrillation surgical procedure is done, the less likely afib is to recur. People in permanent atrial fibrillation who underwent surgery for other heart diseases and had a left atrial ablation procedure for AF at the same time were more likely to be afib-free if the procedure was done within two years and their left atrium size was normal.

Study participants had atrial fibrillation procedures concomitant (at the same time) with open-heart mitral valve, aortic valve, or coronary artery bypass surgery. The procedures were done using either microwave or radiofrequency energy.

The study found that afib recurrence was not influenced by age, gender, primary heart disease, history of blood clots, technology, or use of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Read more: Atrial Fibrillation Procedure Within Two Years Reduces Risk of Afib Recurrence

Bookmark and Share

Customized Atrial Fibrillation Treatment—Video Interview with Dr. Ralph Damiano

In this interview from Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium 2009, Dr. Ralph Damiano, cardiothoracic surgeon, talks about developing customized atrial fibrillation treatment procedures for individual afib patients, both by surgical maze procedure and catheter ablation.

Learn more and see the video:  Dr. Damiano on Customized Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Bookmark and Share

Video of Atrial Fibrillation Surgical Maze Procedure Evolution and Future

A newly-posted video from an evening presentation by Dr. James Edgerton at Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium 2009 provides a rare glimpse into the evolution of atrial fibrillation surgery, including the mini maze procedure, and gives a peek at its future as well. See video from actual afib surgeries.

Learn more and see the video:  Dr. James Edgerton on Atrial Fibrillation Maze Procedure Evolution

Bookmark and Share

Live Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Watch a radiofrequency catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a live webcast on December 18, 2008.

For more information visit: http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/131

Bookmark and Share

Success Magazine Profiles StopAfib.org Founder Mellanie True Hills

The latest issue of Success magazine talks about Mellanie True Hills, founder of StopAfib.org, and her story of living with atrial fibrillation and having surgery to cure atrial fibrillation as well as launching StopAfib.org to save lives.

Read: Success magazine shares the story of StopAfib.org founder Mellanie True Hills and her atrial fibrillation surgery

Bookmark and Share

Can Those Over Eighty Have Atrial Fibrillation Procedures?

In the past week I’ve been approached by several folks in their eighties who are interested in catheter ablation or surgery for atrial fibrillation. But eighty is often considered the upper limit for these procedures due to concerns about the health of the patient.

Perhaps not any more as a new study out of Canada found high success rates among those in their eighties who had open-heart surgery.

Read: Are Patients Over Eighty Candidates for Atrial Fibrillation Procedures?

Do you have thoughts or comments about this? Please add them here.

Bookmark and Share

USA Weekend talks about atrial fibrillation and mini-maze surgery

USA Weekend HealthSmart edition features a story about Mellanie True Hills, founder of StopAfib.org, in which she talks about living with atrial fibrillation and communicating electronically with her surgeon before and after her mini-maze surgery.

Read:  USA Weekend Talks About Atrial Fibrillation and Mini-Maze Surgery…

What are your thoughts on the role that electronic communications should play in your communications with your doctors? Please share your comments here at the Atrial Fibrillation Blog.

Bookmark and Share

Read This Before Your Atrial Fibrillation Procedure

If you are considering a procedure of any kind, especially an atrial fibrillation procedure, you’ll want to read this about the importance of time outs in the operating room…

Speak Up for Your Safety Before Your Procedure

Bookmark and Share

Cryoballoon Ablation Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation

The Arctic Front® Cryoballoon Procedure for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation will be featured in a live webcast on August 30, 2008.

Learn more…

Bookmark and Share

Atrial Fibrillation Resource on Maze Surgery

In Atrial Fibrillation Patient Discussion Forums, we mentioned the A-fibcures group, which focuses on non-pharmaceutical atrial fibrillation cures.

Much of the recent group discussion has centered on understanding the confusing and ever-changing landscape of atrial fibrillation surgery. Group moderator, Carl Plaskett, reached out to THE authority on the Maze procedure, Dr. Jim Cox, known as the “Father of Maze Surgery”, to provide some clarity around atrial fibrillation surgery.

Dr. Cox was kind enough to write up a brief white paper. It’s a fascinating look at where we are, and where we have been, in trying to cure atrial fibrillation.

Find out more and access the White Paper by Dr. Cox

Bookmark and Share