I do not have much knowledge about the LAA but I am aware that there are differing opinions in the EP community regarding the safety of left atrial appendage isolation (increased stroke risk). I know my EP has some issues with this. Looking for comments on this, please.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
I called this week and was told he is taking new patients,by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
If my Aflutter is on the left side it is harder to ablate than on the right. I need to keep my stress down, but this is not helping.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
Ggheld, thanks for the response. I will take 13 years!! I guess you are an avid believer of Dr. Natale!!by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
Carey, thank you for the thorough explanation. The article was written by John Mandrola and that did put up a red flag for me. Is the rebuttal written by Shannon one of the comments to the article?by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am so confused about this. Can the LAA be ablated or is a closure done and no ablation is involved? Is it always necessary to have a watchman implanted if you have an LAA procedure? There is a Medscape article that makes me very concerned about this.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
Is it common to need more than one ablation done by Dr. Natale? I would be interested in hearing about your experience if you had more than one.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
The above article was in the news today. I have been searching for a TOP EP in the Midwest and just learned that the number 1 rated center is Cleveland Clinic and number 2 is Mayo Clinic - Rochester. Does anyone know of a top EP at either of these centers? My AFlutter/AFIB case is complicated.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
I just read a great article about the questions to ask an EP. I now understand that being in persistent AFlutter/AFIB makes me a difficult patient. In addition to that I understand why I need an EP who would do a left atrial appendage ablation in addition to the other areas of ablation. So, I want a Dr. Natale who practices in the Midwest!! Not too much to ask for is it??!! Darn covid! Caby Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you again, GL. I had not heard if him.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
One more thing to add to my last post.....calling a clinic trying to find out how many and what types of AFIB ablations a specific EP has done is not an easy task. Any types on how to do that?by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
GL, both of those places have a good reputation. My problem is not knowing how to find out who is the best. My current EP did not give me a name at either place, Folks at my primary care clinic are useless. Most of my info Is coming from reputable AFIB blogs. I am trying to advocate for myself, but finding out who is the best is not working for me. The facilities certainly do not tell me.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
Carey, Thank you for responding. I live in Madison, WI. I prefer to travel by car and can deal with a several hour road trip. I prefer driving rather than flying,. A person on another blog described my case as difficult, so of course I am concerned about seeing someone who has excellent credentials. I know Dr. Natale is excellent. Why am I being so stubborn about seeing him.....the covidby Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
Does any one know if there is a listing of EPS who trained under Dr Natale? If one could not travel to Austin, certainly there must be a few other electrophysiologists who are consideried good EPs. He can’t be the only.one. I am sorry if I upset anyone with this post. Besides covid, travel to Austin may not be doable for some folks.by Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
I would appreciate any response about traveling to see Dr Natale in Austin. I live in the midwest and have limited my covid risks during the pandemic. To think of traveling, staying in a motel and heading to Texas during the time of this delta variant adds so much anxiety at a time when I am anxious enough. Just hoping to hear of any experience/feelings others have. Even being vaccinated doesby Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM
I have been in persistent Afib since 6/14/21. I was diagnosed with afib in 2016. I have had 2 ablations, the second was in 2019. I am waiting results from a holter monitor. I know it will show my rates are not controlled. For the last several weeks I have been on 200 metoprolol daily, eliquis and 2 120 mgs diltiazem daily. Rates go from 58 to 115-120. I am in such a depressed state becauby Pixie - AFIBBERS FORUM