StopAfib.org interviews Dr. Matthew Reynolds, of the Harvard Clinical Research Institute. In this video interview, Dr. Reynolds talked about his research looking at outcomes and quality of life following catheter ablation. His research analyzed quality of life data that was collected as part of a previously-reported catheter trial, in which catheter ablation was found to …
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StopAfib.org interviews Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen of Virginia Commonwealth University. In this video, Dr. Ellenbogen talked about some of the exciting things for afib patients being presented at the 2010 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. He discussed the presentation of the ROCKET AF clinical trial, which could provide a second new alternative to warfarin for afib …
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In this video, Dr. John Sirak, of the Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, OH), talks about the 5-box total thoracoscopic maze procedure, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure for afib that is achieving good results, even among those with persistent or longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation. This video is a companion to our previous article, New Mini …
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In this video, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. James Edgerton of The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano (Plano, TX) consults with an afib patient and caregiver about various atrial fibrillation treatment options, including medications, cardioversions, catheter ablation, and surgical procedures. Dr. Edgerton is a board-certified cardothoracic surgeon at the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor …
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Results from FAST, the first-ever randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgical ablation (also called the mini maze procedure) for atrial fibrillation and catheter ablation for afib, were presented at the recent American Heart Association meeting. The FAST study enrolled patients who had failed a previous catheter ablation procedure. The minimally invasive …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Featured at Grand Rounds: Health Tips at USATODAY.com The holidays seem to bring on lots of atrial fibrillation, often attributed to a condition called "Holiday Heart Syndrome", which is supposedly caused by consuming too much alcohol and caffeine during the holidays. This year, can we avoid afib caused by Holiday Heart Syndrome? I think so, …
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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 …
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