The Heart Detective System helps to map out trouble spots in the heart–that is, the spots that are causing arrhythmia. Doctors could then use this information to make ablations more effective. While we have 3D mapping capabilities alraedy, this device promises to speed up the mapping process, allowing it to take place in as little as 15 minutes. The result is the EP gets faster, more precise information and the ablation takes less time. Cardiologist Wyn Davies treated former Prime […]
READ MORE5-Year Outlook for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients After a Catheter Ablation
According to a new study, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation naturally progresses towards chronic AF at an estimated rate of 15% to 30% over a 1- to 3-year period. I’d like to know what that means exactly. I’ve had paroxysmal afib for 8 years now. It certainly hasn’t progressed to chronic afib. I wonder if it means once afib starts spiraling out of control it goes to chronic at that clip. In other words, you can have paroxysmal afib for 15 years […]
READ MORELifestyle Changes After an Ablation Can Dramatically Improve Success Rates
A new study by Australian researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia shows compelling evidence that lifestyle changes after an ablation can dramatically affect the outcomes of the procedure. The study included more than 149 people who had a catheter ablation. Sixty-one of them took part in an aggressive “risk factor management” program after the procedure. The program aimed to reduce lifestyle risk factors such as: Being overweight High blood pressure High cholesterol High blood sugar levels Sleep breathing […]
READ MORETreating Atrial Fibrillation with Digoxin May Come With Risks
Digoxin is typically used to slow the heart rate in AF patients, but a new study is causing some health professionals to re-evaluate its use. The study revealed that there is an increased risk of hospitalization and death in patients who take digoxin. The new study involved nearly 15,000 adults who were recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and had no prior history of heart failure or digoxin use. During the three-year study, more than 4,800 of the patients began taking […]
READ MOREDrug Therapy vs. Catheter Ablation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Everyone who has atrial fibrillation eventually faces the tough decision to manage their condition with drugs or some kind of surgical procedure – and many times it requires both! It’s a constant debate, but for some folks like me, there is no debate. You already know what you want to do. The thought of a life on daily drugs just isn’t an option for me – not yet anyway. This is why I have elected to have an ablation. For […]
READ MORE