Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Has anyone had experience with FIRM ablation? I have an appointment next week in NYC with a group that does the procedure and would like to hear from someone who has experienced it. From all I have read the success rate seems to be superior to the standard pulmonary vein ablation. My EP didn't seem to have much information to share with me so I scheduled the appointment through my primary. I currently take only metroprolol but EP wants to add flecinide, something I am resisting. The reason I am considering ablation is because of a marked increase in afib frequency that is really interfering with my physical activity. I appreciate any info you my have.
Thanks
Thanks
In addition, there is some recent discussion about FIRM on the stopafib.org website. They had a conference in Texas a few weeks back, with some of the TOP EPs in the country discussing the various approaches to ablation. Seems like FIRM is an approach that deals with problems that some of the other techniques cannot. Look for the videos from the conference. Since I am old and computer illiterate, I would not be able to help you with that, but you could ask Petey and he can help you find them. I think you are picking the best method, at least the best current method. Hopefully there will soon be an approach with 100% success rate! Best of luck to you!]
Bill