Pat Robertson, Founder and Chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), recently had the Convergent Procedure for his atrial fibrillation, which in this case was accompanied by removal of his left atrial appendage. The Convergent Procedure for atrial fibrillation involves radio-frequency surgery followed by a radio-frequency catheter ablation, both of which are done in a …
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A study of radio-frequency catheter ablation by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was one of the first government-mandated Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) studies released. The report found that catheter ablation appears effective up to one year after the procedure, but more research is needed into longer-term success as well as the impact …
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In Part 1 of StopAfib.org's video interview with Dr. Michael Argenziano, he discusses the atrial fibrillation surgery done at NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. He covers the kind of surgery that he prefers for those with recent-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as well as for those with one or more failed catheter ablations, for whom he favors …
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Medtronic has completed 12 months of follow up in their U.S.-based STOP-AF clinical trial (Sustained Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This trial evaluated their cryoballoon catheter, the Arctic Front® CryoAblation Catheter System, which is already approved for use in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong. Learn more: Medtronic Clinical Trial …
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In this video interview, Dr. David Wilber talks about atrial fibrillation catheter ablation clinical trials and afib treatment as reported on at the Heart Rhythm Society 2009 annual meeting. Video Interview with Dr. David Wilber at Heart Rhythm 2009
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In this video interview, Dr. Steven Hao talks about the atrial fibrillation ablation trial, using the THERMOCOOL® catheter, which was presented at the Heart Rhythm Society 2009 annual meeting. He also discussed upcoming catheter ablation studies for afib and improvements in technology to customize atrial fibrillation treatment to a patient's individual anatomy. Video Interview with …
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Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the US federal government has allocated $1.1 billion for research into the comparative effectiveness of different medical treatments. New reports just out prioritize atrial fibrillation treatment on this comparative effectiveness research agenda. Comparative effectiveness research has the potential to improve atrial fibrillation patient treatment and save …
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StopAfib.org now has more atrial fibrillation information, updated references, and some sections have even been expanded. There are updates throughout, but especially check out the following areas: What is Afib - Updated throughout, especially What Causes Afib Can Afib be Cured - Updated and expanded catheter ablation and maze procedure sections and an updated mini maze procedure section …
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Eric Oddleifson, a member of the afib patient community, reported from a session at the Heart Rhythm 2009 AF Summit where Dr. James Edgerton presented findings and recommendations on post-procedure monitoring. After ablation, some doctors rely on patient self-reporting, which can be inaccurate 50% of the time due to silent afib. Through various analyses, Dr. …
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If you're in the Lansing, MI area, please come join us for a complimentary afib patient education forum this Thursday evening, May 28th, courtesy of Ingham Regional Medical Center. It features Dr. Divyakant Gandhi, cardiothoracic surgeon, and Dr. John Ip, electrophysiologist, as well as Mellanie True Hills of StopAfib.org. Details at: Atrial Fibrillation Patient Education Forum …
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