Where does the UM get the idea that this is new, and no one knows about it? In my not so humble opinion, I think they just hired a new marketing person. This item dated November 03.
New procedure cures abnormal heart rhythm
[ News > New procedure cures abnormal heart rhythm ]
New procedure cures abnormal heart rhythm
Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist
Removal of tiny areas of tissue in the heart can restore a normal beating rhythm.
In atrial fibrillation, the heart beats with an irregular rhythm, putting those affected at increased risk of blood clots or strokes. The usual treatment is medication, but researchers at the University of Michigan are now demonstrating a new approach.
In catheter ablation, tiny pulses of intense radiofrequency waves are delivered to the area of heart tissue delivering abnormal electrical signals. The pulses are emitted from a catheter that enters the body through the groin and is led up to the heart.
The University of Michigan researchers have treated more than 500 patients with catheter ablation and have found that in more than 85 per cent of cases, the patient was cured after just a single session. Complication rates have been extremely low. Of course, the procedure is technically challenging, but has been aided recently by the ability to make very precise three dimensional maps of the heart area.
Source
Circulation 12th November 2003
Pam
