Our January EP Lab Digest Patient Perspective column, Stuck in the Middle: Afib Patients on Rate Control, focuses on how rate control treatment (such as beta blockers) alone impacts the quality of life of those living with atrial fibrillation. The column also explores things doctors and patients may wish to consider in determining an appropriate [...]
FDA Approves Bipolar Radiofrequency Surgical Ablation System for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the AtriCure Synergy Ablation System for the treatment of persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing another heart surgery. The Synergy bipolar radiofrequency clamp is the only surgical ablation device with FDA approval for afib treatment. Learn more: FDA Advisory Panel Recommends, and FDA Approves, Bipolar [...]
Top Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Articles of 2011
In follow up to our announcement yesterday of the Top Ten Atrial Fibrillation Videos of 2011, StopAfib.org now unveils the Top Ten Atrial Fibrillation Articles of 2011. Major topics of interest to the atrial fibrillation patient community this year were afib stroke prevention and the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scoring tools that determine the need for [...]
Top Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Videos of 2011
StopAfib.org has announced the Top Ten Atrial Fibrillation Videos of 2011. Afib stroke prevention again topped the list, with stories about warfarin (Coumadin), alternatives such as dabigatran (Pradaxa) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scoring tools for determining whether anticoagulants are needed. Other popular topics included sleep apnea, catheter ablation, and maze procedures (surgical [...]
High Success Rates for Atrial Fibrillation Focal and Rotor Catheter Ablations — Video with Dr. Sanjiv Narayan
At the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2011, Dr. Sanjiv Narayan presented the high success rate of the FIRM trial of focal and rotor catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Watch the video at: Atrial Fibrillation Focal and Rotor Catheter Ablations Show High Success Rates — Video Interview with Dr. Sanjiv Narayan About the FIRM Trial
Apixaban (Eliquis) prevents more atrial fibrillation strokes than warfarin — March FDA approval expected
A recent New England Journal of Medicine article reported on the results of the ARISTOTLE trial comparing the effectiveness of apixaban and warfarin for atrial fibrillation stroke prevention. Apixaban was shown to be superior to warfarin in preventing afib strokes. Learn more about the results of this trial at: Apixaban Superior to Warfarin for Atrial [...]
Women Have Different Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Results from Men — Video Interview with Dr. John Mandrola
At the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2011, Dr. John Mandrola presented a poster on gender-specific results of atrial fibrillation ablation in a private practice setting. In this video interview with him about the poster, he mentioned that in his experience women appear to be more challenging to treat with atrial fibrillation ablation and do [...]
View the Transcript of our October Atrial Fibrillation Chat with Cleveland Clinic Afib Experts
Recently StopAfib.org partnered with the Cleveland Clinic to give you an opportunity to chat live with two of their atrial fibrillation experts, Dr. Walid Saliba and Dr. David Van Wagoner, who were joined by StopAfib.org founder Mellanie True Hills. The transcript of our afib community chat with these atrial fibrillation experts from the Cleveland Clinic [...]
FDA Panel Says Bipolar Radiofrequency Surgical Ablation Effective for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
An FDA advisory panel voted that the overall benefits outweighed the risks in afib ablations using the AtriCure Synergy bipolar radiofrequency clamp. This was based on the results of the ABLATE clinical trial for ablation of persistent or longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation during other heart surgery. The panel recommended that the FDA approve it, setting [...]
FDA Approves Alternative to Warfarin — Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) Approved for Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Xarelto (rivaroxaban) to reduce stroke risk in those with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (afib unrelated to heart valve problems). Xarelto is now the second oral alternative to warfarin (Coumadin) and offers an option for those unable to take warfarin or dabigatran. Xarelto is the first once-a-day alternative to [...]
