Jeanann:
My friend, male 60ish, has an aorta aneurysm and has a history of colon cancer with surgery 2 years post. He says they cannot operate on him or treat him with meds. What is Penn doing?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Your friend may be a candidate for stent graft treatment of the aortic aneurysm. This is a minimally invasive method in which Penn has a large experience. If you would like to make an appointment please call 1-800-789-PENN.

Eric S:
Is the robotic procedure available to replace/repair aortic regurgitation? What makes someone a good candidate for the new procedures?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
The robotic system is not currently being used for aortic valves but we do employ a number of different minimally invasive procedures and techniques for valve replacement.

Denise:
I was diagnosed with MVP 2 or more years ago. How often do I need to be reexamined? (I'm 40 yrs old)

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
It depends on how much leaking of the valve existed on the initial evaluation. If there were minimal or no leaking then an evaluation every 2 years would suffice, but if the leaking is more severe then an evaluation at least once a year would be recommended.

tam:
What can cause dull aching pain in the left breast area (heart area) and palpitations?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
There are a number of causes of chest pain in the area that you described depending on your age and family history. A thorough evaluation for the possibility of heart disease would be appropriate. If you had palpitations with the chest pain, then these symptoms are likely due to the heart and you should seek a complete evaluation.

Lisa:
Hi Dr. Marchlinski,
I am Ron Gepner's daughter. It is so nice to see other people benefiting from your care.

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
Thank you. We appreciate you watching the show.

marilyn:
My husband is 54 and was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse about 2 years ago. His physician says that on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe, he is at 3. His current treatment is simply taking 2.5mg of Plendil on a daily basis. He has experienced no symptoms, i.e., shortness of breath and weakness. We would like to know if you think he should have the robotic operation now while the condition is mild or wait. We realize you haven't actually seen him, but we are anxious that maybe we should be doing something more at this time to forestall any severe complications or heart damage in the future.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
We rarely operate on asymptomatic patients. Your cardiologist should do an echocardiogram to determine the valve pathology and heart function and amount of mitral regurgitation. As long as you are followed carefully, intervention can be a timed when the risk benefit ratio is optimal.

joan:
Can this robotic surgery be done to replace mitral valves?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Yes, the robotic system is an ideal approach for a mitral valve replacement.

Greg:
I was diagnosed with MVP two years ago. I'm noticing shortness of breath more frequently. Are there tests I should have to check on the progression of the problem?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
If you have symptoms of breathlessness, it may indicate your valve has a leak. An electrocardiogram is a simple non-invasive test to determine the severity of the valve leakage.

Cathy:
The robotic system that is used to repair the heart - has it been tested to possibly do other forms of surgery?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Yes, the robotic system is currently being used for closure of atrial septal defects and coronary artery bypass grafting as well as surgery in other parts of the body.

joan:
In the last 20 years I was told twice that I had MVP and twice I did not have it, the last time being 2002 that I did not have MVP, and that I did not need antibiotics before procedures. In the last 6 wks I had 2 endometrial biopsy's done and had a tooth pulled, a week after the tooth pulled I got a UTI. Well I have never had a UTI so looking it up in the Merck manual my eye caught a paragraph that said UTI can be caused by endrocarditis, now I am so scared. My family Dr tells me not to worry, I am scared that I may have it since I read it does not always show up right away. What should I do? I feel fine except for my nerves that are making me suffer real bad panic.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
You should have your family doctor do an echocardiogram to evaluate your mitral valve. In all likelihood, you have nothing to worry about.

Adriane:
To Doctor Woo....I have mitral valve prolapse with "severe regurgitation". I have been told I will need surgery eventually. How many of the robotic procedures have you done so far? Are there any risks associated with the robotic procedure that are not present with traditional valve repair surgery?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
We've performed about 40 robotic cardiac surgical procedures and there are no specific additional risks with this approach.

MICHAEL:
Hi, Dr. Woo,
Remember me-Michael Miller, you had repaired my valve last Friday 4/4/03 and I thank you very much for the wonderful job you have done and I recommend this surgery for anyone thinking of having a heart repair surgery done. And also what is the extened of over extending the limitation of exercising while healing from surgery?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
You can resume normal activity a few weeks after surgery.

Todd:
I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, at times I can feel my heart double beat, also at night when I am almost asleep I can feel what seems like my heart is quivering. When I check my pulse during this, it doesn't seem to be the case. Should I be concerned?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
Mitral valve prolapse is, in general, a benign condition. Occasionally people experience some heart rhythm abnormalities but typically they are minor. If you have any concerns about your heart please see you rphysician so that he or she can obtain an EKG to determine how severe the leakage is of the mitral valve and a heart monitor to document any rhythm abnormalities.

olga:
78 year old female; functionally active; just discovered that I have 3 blocked arteries (along with pre-existing diabetes). Never had chest pains, only irregular heart beats, but 2 silent heart attacks. Am curious as to whether there is a possibility of non-invasive surgery. It has been suggested that I consult with a surgeon, and would appreciate any feedback (am waiting for pictures from this past week's catherization). Thank you.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
I would have to review your cardiac catheterization before being able to make a specific recommendation. If you'd like to make an appointment, please call 1-800-789-PENN.

P. Clouser:
I am a 47 year old white female with mitral valve prolapse.....I have been diagnosed with mild prolapse and moderate regurgitation...What are the chances that I will need mitral valve replacement??? I take Inderol 10mg once a day for palpitations....I cannot do extensive exercise because my heart beats fast and I tire so easily...Thanks for your response.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
If you are truly symptomatic from the mitral regurgitation, then you should be considered for surgery at the present time. Before surgery you would need a transesophageal echocardiogram and a cardiac catheterization. Most likely, your valve could be repaired.

Lisa:
Dr.M., given all the problems my dad had with his heart (major attack at 52) now that I am in my 40's, aside from a regular physical should I ask for more diagnostic testing as in a base line?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
Now that you are in your 40s, an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram would be an appropriate test to screen for early problems.

Michael:
On occasion I have an irregular heartbeat that goes back to normal after about a minute. Is this dangerous? I saw part of the operation on your show with a man who had a similar situation.

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
Many heart rhythm problems are mild and require no treatment. It is best to undergo EKG monitoring to determine the type of rhythm abnormality you are experiencing and to determine the best treatment. Please call: 1-800-789-PENN to schedule an appointment.

Kathy N:
I have a bicuspid aortic valve (52 years old) and I am waiting for my condition to get worse before I have the replacement (currently moderately severe). Will the robotic operation ever be available for aortic valve replacement vs open heart surgery?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
The robotic system is not currently being used for aortic valves but we do employ a number of different minimally invasive procedures and techniques for valve replacement.

Mike S:
My wife has been diagnosed with mitral valve leakage. Her symptoms are consistent and life altering. She is being treated to balance the pressure in her heart. After several months there is no real improvement. She is a patient of PENN Cardiac Care. What would prevent her from being a candidate for the minimally invasive surgery?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
You should discuss this with your cardiologist. Your wife may be a candidate, but you would need a cardiac catheterization to determine that.

Karen:
My husband had a heart bypass in 1996. He just recently had another heart attack and had a cardiac cath. There is a blockage in the artery at the bottom of his heart that they feel can only be treated with meds. Is there anything that Penn is doing that might be another option. He is also diabetic. Thanks

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
He may well be best treated with medicines, but if symptoms persist revascularization may be done with the laser (TMR).

bina:
I am 60 years of age and have been told I have calcium deposits on the aortic valve or stenosis. Is there any way to stop the deterioration and if surgery is necessary what type do you recommend?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Calcification of the aortic valve is part of the natural aging process. There are currently no medical therapies for reversing this process or preventing its progression. There are a variety of surgical approaches to fixing the aortic valve including minimally invasive techniques.

Robert R:
Does your ablation procedure work for ventricular tachycardia? If so, are there more risks associated with ventricular ablation as opposed to atrial ablation.

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
The heart rhythm specialists at Penn have pioneered ablation techniques for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (rhythm disorders). The risks for both procedure are modest using catheters and the outcome has been quite good for both. Please call: 1-800-789-PENN to schedule an appointment and for more information.

Adriane:
Is the robotic surgery also being used in connection with coronary bypass surgery?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Yes, the robotic system is currently being used for a variety of coronary bypass grafting procedures.

MN:
My question relates to post-bypass surgery (and angioplasty). The first part of my question is this: Is it possible that a person several years after two bypass surgeries could still be very fatigued? The second part is this: in general, do people who have serious heart problems have difficulty sleeping from medications and physiological reasons or is it likely that if there is a sleep problem it is depression?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Fatigue can be due to a number of causes, and if it persists well after surgery it is probably due to another factor such as anemia, thyroid problems or other medical conditions. A thorough evaluation of other causes of fatigue is in order. In regards to your second question, both are possibilities. It is important to discuss with your physician your concerns to determine if any medications can be causing the problems with sleep. Frequently, medications can be changed and the sleep disorder resolved.

Peter:
I am scheduled for two valve repairs. Will they be able to be done simultaneously or will it take 2 sessions. My surgery is being held up because of another condition that has to be taken care of to avoid any possible infection. Will this new procedure be able to work around that and avoid chances of infection?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Both valves will be done at the same time. To answer you other question, we need to know which valves are going to be operated upon.

Jan:
Can the robotic procedure be used to repair the valve or to just replace the valve?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
The robotic procedure can be used to both repair and replace the mitral valve. If you'd like more information or to schedule an appointment call 1-800-789-PENN.

ATSmith:
You mention "different minimally invasive procedures" to replace the aortic valve. Do they apply to the aortic root and the valve together and what are they?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
The aortic root can be replaced using minimally invasive techniques.

Kathy G.:
Had open heart in '72 to close hole. Am now 42. Was just at cardiologist due to 200/110 b/p and complaining of total exhaustion 24-7, feel clicking in heart, constant palps. She told me I have 2 residual leaks and original hole site is probably sucking in flap of my valve doing more damage but insists on waiting 6 months to do echo. I see my family doc for follow up on the 19th and I want him to send me in town to see another cardiologist. Am I wrong to want that? I'm tired of being the walking dead all the time - I'm married w/3 teens and work f/t as an aide/activities asst.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
It would not be inappropriate to get a second cardiology opinion.

joan:
Dr Hargrove I am the one w/the 2 endometrial biospy's and a tooth pulled, fearing endrocarditis, you said I should have a echo done I had 4 echo done the last saying no MVP should I go for the 5th tie breaker to see.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
If you have had a recent echo showing no MVP, then another echo is not necessary.

Mike S:
What would prevent someone who is symptomatic with mitral valve leakage from being a candidate for the minimally invasive surgical technique.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
In most cases mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a benign condition. If the valve leaks, the amount of leakage can be determined by doing an echocardiogram. Patients with a lot of mitral valve leakage may experience symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue. These are the best patients for surgical repair of the mitral valve. Many of these patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery, including robotic techniques. For more information, log on to pennhealth.com or call 1-800-789-PENN.

Jan:
My doctor has told me that it is time to have my mitral valve operated on and that I would be a good candidate for repair. What makes a person a good candidate for the robotic procedure?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
If you do not have coronary artery disease, you would be a candidate for the minimally invasive or robotic procedure. A cardiac catheterization would determine this.

Donald:
I have had mitral valve repair approx. 7 years ago. I need it again. Can it be done robotically without open heart surgery? I was told open heart surgery would be necessary, since a prior repair had been done. Is this true? Thanks

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Your redo mitral valve operation can be accomplished using minimally invasive and robotic techniques. This is however, still open heart surgery, as it is necessary to put you on the heart-lung machine and stop the heart for a period a time to accomplish the operation.

bscales:
Dr I have a large hernia about the size of a grapefruit. Drs say that because I have COPD and had a minor heart attack 18 yrs ago & had angioplasty 6mos later that it can not be repaired. Will this type of surgery do the repair???

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
It is not clear from your question what kind of hernia you have. That being said, even most large hernias can be repaired using marlex mesh. You would need to see a general surgeon to determine what can be done. Many hernias can be repaired using minimally invasive techniques now. To schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Penn, please call 1-800-789-PENN.

Dess:
I don't want to sound stupid but my dad smokes quite a bit, he often gets short of breath. He has had bypass surgery years ago. He has tried quitting smoking, patch, medication but seems to always go back. Maybe not cigarettes but cigars. Could this be causing more damage to the heart? His doctor has told him to quit but I feel his addiction is much too strong.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Smoking in general is bad for the heart and blood vessels. Smoking cessation can be very difficult, but there are many programs now to aid in this process. To find out about programs at Penn, call 1-800-789-PENN.

michelle:
I'm a 44 year old black female gained 60 lbs. past 5 yrs. (now 5"7"" and 230 lbs). I have slight shortness of breath going up steps. Sometimes have slight chest pains with increased activity. What type of tests should I have done to find causes of problems? Thanks

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Your shortness of breath could be due entirely to your weight gain. If your chest pains continue, then your doctor should do a stress test. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN.

Mike S:
Further response, she has had the cardiac catheterization and an echo cardiogram. She has been told that the problem should be controllable with medication, but after months the results are poor. What types of things would prevent her from being a candidate.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
We would need to know specific results of the echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization before being able to give you a specific answer. If you are unhappy, perhaps another cardiology opinion is warranted. To make an appointment with a Penn Cardiac Care physician, please call 1-800-789-PENN.

Robert R:
If you are a heart transplant candidate with severe cardiomyopathy, does having the ablation for v-tach pose more risk?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Any intervention in patients with cardiomyopathy and poor left heart function carries risk. That being said, arrythmia ablation is one of our special interests in the electrophysiology program at Penn.

joe S:
10 years ago I had an aortic valve allograft to replace a severely diseased valve----the grafted valve is now deteriorating and needs to be replaced again----is the robotic surgery and option? Also what type of valve did Steve receive in the show tonight? Was it a mechanical valve?--and allograft?----or was it repaired?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
I was able to repair Mr. G's valve and did not need to replace it. While the robotic system is not currently being used for aortic valve procedures, a variety of minimally invasive approaches for aortic valve surgery are utilized at Penn. Feel free to call 1-800-789-PENN to arrange an appointment.

cheryl:
I would like to know what happens after a transesophageal? Also, what does a atrial myxoma surgery entail? How long is the surgery and how do the surgeons do it? Is there a long recovery? Please help, I am worried. What are the risks? Thank you very much!!! Cheryl

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
A transesophageal echo is a very precise ultrasound study of the heart where a small probe is placed in the patient's esophagus and positioned next to the heart. It is performed as an outpatient procedure. Atrial myxoma surgery entails open heart surgery to remove a tumor growing inside the heart. The operation lasts approximately three hours and recovery is usually very quick. Minimally invasive approaches, including robotics, can also be used to facilitate the operation. If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN or log on to pennhealth.com.

joe S:
Again-- I failed to mention---- I'm a very active 40yo male----also----if the robotic surgery in not being used for aortic valves---why not? And will it ever be available???

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
The location of the aortic valve makes it most amenable to minimally invasive approaches, in particular, partial sternotomy. Newer robotic instruments are currently being designed which may one day facilitate robotic aortic valve replacement. If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN or log on to pennhealth.com.

Dess:
Does most insurance cover the robot surgery? And what type of follow-up is recommended?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Robotic surgery is covered by any insurance system that covers heart surgery. Patients follow-up two to three weeks after discharge. If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN or log on to pennhealth.com.

George C:
Hi. My husband has been told he has aortic valve problem. But does not have any symptoms. He needs a kidney transplant and they are saying the valve is a little tight. They would like to replace the valve. Can this be done by the robot? Or is there an easier way to do this? Thank You.

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
Depending upon the degree of aortic stenosis (tightness), most major operations can be conducted safely. However you should feel free to consult with our physicians to determine if an aortic valve replacement should be performed in order to permit kidney transplantation. Although the robotic system is not currently used to replace aortic valves, many other minimally invasive approaches to aortic valve replacement are available at Penn. If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, call 1-800-789-PENN or log on to pennhealth.com.

Colleen:
I was diagnosed at 14 with MVP and I am now 24 and was rediagnosed with PAT. I wore the 24 hr holter monitor and my heart rate at its highest was 189 BPM, this was a good day for me. My cardiologist has suggested a beta blocker, Toprol 50mg, or to have the procedure ablation. How do I know what is right for me?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
It depends on the specific type of heart rhythm problem you have. There are several different types of PAT. Most are able to be cured with catheter ablation. Certainly if medications do not work or cause side effects then strong consideration for a curative procedure should be given. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to call 1 800 789 PENN and make an appointment with one of our heart rhythm specialists.

CAROL:
I am a 54 year old woman I have already had a stress test. When I lay down my heart seems to race. I wake up at least 3 times a night. Nothing has turned up except that I sometimes have a few extra beats. My cl is 270 I take Lipitor. I wonder if you have any thoughts on what it could be. Thank you

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
It sounds like you are experiencing a heart rhythm disorder. Please make sure you have been monitored appropriately. There are several different types of monitors currently available and you may require one that is best suited to document your problem. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to call 1 800 789 PENN and make an appointment with one of the our heart rhythm specialists. They have a lot of expertise and will pick the best monitor for you.

Lisa:
Thanks so much for all of you being here today and answering our questions. Thank you Dr. Marchlinski again for being a wonderful Dr. I will look into that test.

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
Thank you for your kind words and good luck!

Don:
I developed A-Fib after an angioplasty about 6 years ago. I had two cardioversions which did not last and have been in A-Fib ever since. I am 73 and fairly active caring for my many animals and riding my horses but do not have the old zip prior to my A-Fib. I wouldn't say that I am breathless but I am very tired much of the time. My electrophysiologist is going to test me next visit for valve problems as he mentioned on the last visit that he heard a slight regurgitation. Would I be better off going to a hospital that specializes in the treatment of this ailment such as Penn?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
Atrial fibrillation is a complex rhythm disorder that can certainly cause some of your symptoms. Certainly you should also be checked for heart valve or thyroid problems which can make your rhythm worse. In selected patients with longstanding atrial fibrillation one can still reestablish a normal rhythm and even cure the arrhythmia with catheter ablation ---though it is more difficult. We have prepared an excellent educational document on atrial fibrillation that I want to suggest you read. Please call 1-800-789-PENN and ask them to send you the educational material on atrial fibrillation. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to call 1-800-789-PENN and make an appointment with one of the our heart rhythm specialists. Good luck!

Paul:
I was under the impression that ablation destroys the a-v node, which would require the implantation of a pacemaker. Is that correct?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
There are many different type of ablation procedures. In the past the only ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation was to shut down the road from the top of the heart to the ventricles. Our newest procedures can cure atrial fibrillation with damaging the AV Node and without requiring a pacemaker. We have prepared an excellent educational document on atrial fibrillation that I want to suggest you read. Please call 1800789 Penn and ask them to send you the educational material on atrial fibrillation. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to call 1 800 789 PENN and make an appointment with one of the our heart rhythm specialists. Good luck!

John:
Irregular heartbeat is affecting my breathing. Is there any treatment to improve my breathing?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
You need to have your heart monitored to determine the type of rhythm problem you are experiencing. It sounds like you are experiencing a heart rhythm disorder. Please make sure you have been monitored appropriately. There are several different types of monitors currently available and you may require one that is best suited to documented to your problem. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to call 1 800 789 PENN and make an appointment with one of the our heart rhythm specialists. They have a lot of expertise and will pick the best monitor for you.

Colleen:
Hi Dr. Marchlinski, at the age of 14 I was diagnosed with MVP and I am now 24 and have been diagnosed with PAT. Can you tell me what the difference is? Thank you.

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
MVP (mitral valve prolapse) refers to an abnormality in the structure of the mitral valve. PAT (paroxysmal atrial tachycardia) refers to a regular fast heart rhythm from the top chambers of the heart or the atria. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to call 1 800 789 PENN and make an appointment with one of the our heart rhythm specialists. They are experienced in dealing with patients with mitral valve prolapse who has tachycardias.

Betsy:
My father-in-law had an ablation to correct atrial fib, but the problem was not corrected. Would a second ablation be an option for him?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Approximately 20% of patients need a second ablative procedure for atrial fibrillation.

Joan B:
Exactly what type of minimally invasive procedures and techniques do you do for an aortic valve replacement? Can or do you do a "keyhole" incision or just a smaller incision in the breast bone?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Minimally invasive aortic valve procedures can be done through a partial sternotomy (cutting the upper portion only of the breast bone) or through a 3-4 inch incision parallel and below the right clavicle. Both of these are keyhole type incisions.

Virginia:
I have two bad valves due to rheumatic fever when I was a kid. I am now 62 and the murmur was just recently found. The echo-cardiogram showed that the aortic valve was functioning at 60%. How bad must it be before any surgery is done. I do keep close tabs on it with my cardiologist.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
We need to know the valve area of the aortic valve or the pressure gradient before giving you a definitive answer. We normally do not operate on the aortic valve until the valve area is less than 1 square centimeter.

bscales:
My hernia is at belly button.

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Most umbilical (belly button) hernias can be repaired without difficulty.

Mike H.:
I suffer skipbeats three times or more a day. My cardiologist said that is normal. I do not feel comfortable with this. What can I do about this problem?

W. Clark Hargrove, III, MD:
Premature ventricular contractions are frequent in many patients and are usually benign.

Jean:
Dr. Woo: As you have stated that the minimally invasive procedure shown on tonight's program is not available for aortal valve replacement, can you briefly explain on minimally invasive methods now used for aortal valve replacement? Is age a determining factor for the surgery, as well? Thank you.

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
The aortic valve is located in the upper portion of the middle of the chest, right underneath the sternum (breastbone). By performing a partial sternotomy (dividing a small part of the breastbone) the aortic valve can be exposed and operated upon. This usually requires a skin incision that is only 2 to 3inches in length.

P. Clouser:
Does mitral valve leakage always need repair and what factors determine this ?

Y. Joseph Woo, MD:
The need for surgical repair of mitral valve depends upon the severity of leakiness and whether a patient has symptoms such as shortness of breath with exertion or palpitations.

Robert R:
Is there a period of time in which you must discontinue taking Cordarone (Amiodarone) before having the ablation for v-tach performed?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
As you know ventricular tachycardia is a very serious rhythm disorder. The decision as to when to stop amiodarone must be individualized. In some patients we try to stop the amiodarone for at least two weeks. In other patients it is critical to continue the amiodarone up until the time of VT ablation. You should discuss this important issue with your heart rhythm specialist.

John:
What are the short and long term success rates for correction of A-fib by means of catheter ablation?

Francis Marchlinski, MD:
The results will vary based on the experience of the center doing these procedures. We have now done atrial fibrillation ablation procedures in over 300 patients. One can anticipate a success rate of 70-75% with one procedure and up to 90% following some touch up work with a repeat procedure. Good luck!

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