I asked part of this question previously, but wanted to see if the reply was still valid.
We live midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, so going to either location is not a problem. Previously Cary had recommended asking for Dr Santangli at Cleveland for a second opinion before going an ablation route. Is that still the recommendation, and is there any recommendation at UPMC in Pittsburgh as an alternate.
As background, my dear wife has had Afib episodes for the past ten years following a cardiac cath. Until this past year she was being treated with Multaq, metoprolol, and warfarin. Her burden was approximately 3% (30 day monitor). Last year she advanced to 100% burden, but without any significant pain and discomfort, but overwhelming fatigue and shortness of breath. AT LONG LAST, her EP stopped the Multaq, inducted Tikosyn and after 2.5 days cardioverted her with a single 288 joule shock.
Great, however that lasted about 56 hours, and she's back in Afib (determined by apple watch and Kardia).
We don't know if the EP will tell us to just stay with the Tikosyn for a while, or if he's ready to go immediately to ablation - we will probably learn that this week - but his practice here in Youngstown has been to push for the ablation. (other medical pros here have said to NOT get it done in Youngstown, for "reasons", but go to Cleveland - or Pittsburgh.
So: the question is about recommendations for Pittsburgh or Cleveland
and secondly are we not giving the Tikosyn attempt enough time?
(BTW, she did not self-convert after 40 hours on the Tikosyn, therefore requiring the cardioversion)
Thanks for any guidance,
.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2024 12:15PM by Searching9.
