Mixed feelings about long distance doctoring

Well, folks, I dunno about this travelling across the country to see a doctor. Had my procedure yesterday. They tell me I am in normal sinus rthym. They tell me Dr. Natale did the procedure. I am now discharged from the hospital. I have yet to meet Dr. Natale face-to-face. Ever.

My introductory appointment with him was a phone call, admittedly that was for my convenience. My wife met him post-op when he popped in for 45 seconds. I was Dr. Natale's 5th procedure, out of a total of 6 he did yesterday.

We traveled 1,500 miles to Austin. Now I have to come back in 2 to 3 months to have a Watchman placed. Then in another 2 to 3 months I have to travel back for a TEE.

Interestingly, a man in the waiting room was saying he was at Texas Arrhythmia for his fourth ablation. He does not use Dr. Natale. He said this time the surgeon was going to turn the power up for better results. This sounded very similar to what Carey went through, even though this fellow started at the good clinic.

I met some very nice and helpful staff here. But I must also say the St. David's hospital is just as disorganized as all the other hospitals I have been in. Anyone trying to decide where to go for their treatment is welcome to send me a private message for more details.

Right now I am thinking I should have chosen a different facility from the list that was not quite so far away, yet not too local. But who knows, I might end up being very happy that I traveled to Austin.

Another point is that I was in 100% Afib since at least July. If I had stayed more local, I could have been treated 2 months ago. My understanding is that my atrium has been enlarging due to Afib this whole time. I don't know by how much, but I know they want to get you treated in less than six months.

Austin is better than Los Robles in CA. Natale is only there Wednesday afternoon to Friday and leaves I believe Saturday morning. He only has one NP and no other backup or anyone else on call.

I would be grateful if I traveled to Austin. My ablations were during the pandemic and I was too fearful to travel.

You had the best imaging and equipment at Austin. I’ve had 5 ablations-4 at Los Robles plus a watchman and pacemaker. In January I had a PVC ablation elsewhere where I was wide awake. I highly recommend it. I was told anesthesia suppresses arrhythmias and my EP wanted me in arrhythmia.

I wish you success. Natale is excellent with watchman implants. I had mine and was discharged 4 hours later.

Quote
nonthumper
Interestingly, a man in the waiting room was saying he was at Texas Arrhythmia for his fourth ablation. He does not use Dr. Natale. He said this time the surgeon was going to turn the power up for better results. This sounded very similar to what Carey went through, even though this fellow started at the good clinic.

The mistake I made was not going to Austin and specifically seeing Dr. Natale like everyone kept urging me to. If I ever need a repeat, I'll be in Austin on the next flight. If he retires before then, I'll be in Cleveland to see Dr. Santangeli. The EP you choose is what matters most, not where they happen to be located. Since you were in persistent afib, there's literally no one as capable of ablating persistent afib as Natale, so don't be telling yourself you could have saved time by going local. The average success rate with persistent afib is less than 50%, while Natale's success rate is on the order of 80%. So what you could have done was ended up making my mistake and now needing another ablation.

Im wondering if those "Emergency" ablations which a few of my friends have had with great success, are due to the fact they are able to see where the impact is? Just a thought, because I have yet to see a failure even in hospitals not known for success, but yes anecdotal observation at best.

What the heck is an emergency ablation?

Maybe the wrong word, but after a few failed cardioversions, the ablations were done shortly after.

Had my first ablation with Natale in March 2011 for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Last March required a touch-up flutter ablation with Natale......then Watchman installation, then two TEEs for varification of the Watchman. Have not had a lengthly discussion with Natale after each procedure......but he has always had a discussion with my wife. I do not see Natale for the conversation.....the skill and expertise.

As with Carey......if another issue arises I am headed to Austin.

Interestingly, i found the TCAI at St Davids to be extremely organized and level of care I received to be outstanding.


Steve
Klein, Tx.