StopAfib.org interviews Dr. Andy Kiser of the University of North Carolina
Find more on Dr. Kiser, and a transcript of the interview at:
http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/467
In this video interview, Dr. Andy Kiser discusses the hybrid ablation (also called the hybrid procedure) in which cardiac surgeons and electrophysiologists collaborate to do a surgical ablation and a catheter ablation in the same setting. Doing so can provide a tailored approach for each patient.
Dr. Kiser is Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Professor of Surgery at the University of North Carolina.
I have been diagnosed with Afib for 7 years. I have been taking Tikosyn and have had pretty good results. I get Afib mostly when I drink alcohol or have stress, it seems. I go back in rhythm often when I exercise vigorously and don’t drink alcohol. I have been scheduled for a cardiac ablation next month. I’m wondering if this is an extreme cure for a problem that might be controlled otherwise. I hate to get a procedure just so I can drink. Is it “worth it?” What are the risks? My doctor uses the freezing method of ablation.