This is the most comprehensive and informative website I have found for all things Afib. It’s nice to know others have the same questions and share the same fears. The people on this site are truly kind and supportive.
The only issue for me is I’m on the US, and it seems most are from the UK? Is there a site where positive experiences with EP,s are complied and shared. Is anyone who has had a recent ablation from Southern CA
You are right, most members here are from the UK but there are many from the States too. The AF Association has an office in the USA, I think on South Carolina so might be worth contacting them tomorrow to see if they can help, click on the link below.....good luck.
heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...
Their email address is at the bottom of the page.
Thank you for reaching out to me. I will take your advise. I wonder if there is a database with recommendations for EP’s. It would help, I feel like I’m choosing someone who literally has my life in their hands with a blindfold on😊
Not sure if this will work for you but click on the link below and you should be able to find the names of specialists in the USA. You need to scroll to the top of the page and select your country of interest ie USA then select the type of specialist you are interested in. It’s important to understand that, as I understand it, these Specialists can choose to be included on the list, they are not necessarily recommended but it may help to get you started on your search.
heartrhythmspecialists.org/...
Thank you. The list has a few In the US, one in LA which is about an hour from me which I’ll check. What I would really like is personal referrals.
I understand that and hopefully some of your fellow country folk will come up with some suggestions..........
I know a few people who have had ablations by Dr. Andrea Natale, who is touted as one of the most exqusitely skilled people in the world to do ablations in the USA.
He works out of the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin, TX and also works out of Scripps Institute in La Jolla, CA.
Two other top people in the world work out of Bordeaux, France. There are others who are also quite skilled, but Dr. Natale's name is mentioned over and over. It would be great if all ablations were "one and done" but even in the hands of the most skilled person, this might not be the case.
Additionally, your options for an ablationist is likely to be limited by the core group of EPs who work with your insurance company. If you pay out-of-pocket, of course, you may chose whomever you wish.
Thank you ! I actually just heard about Dr. Natale, I will try and book an appt. today but I heard he is backlogged. My heart is acting up in some way almost daily with Afib attacks becoming a monthly (or more)occurrence. These attacks have lasted up to 21 hours, keep me on a couch popping cardezem every 4 hours to keep the rate under 125,...both scary and miserable.
I have really good insurance now but planned on switching to Medicare in January although this is optional since I am still employed. It seems all EPs take Medicare. I wonder how Dr Natale can do such a large volume of ablations while working in to different regions of the US? Thanks again, I will definitely post my decision and experience on this site to help others!!
Hi again, I meant to ask, do you personally know people that have had ablations with Dr. Natale or were they people you had heard about?
Yes, I personally know at least 3 people who have had ablations done by Dr. Natale. For all three of them, it was not a "one and done" ablation, as future *touch ups* were also needed for all three people, as often happens. I hope this helps!
Thank you! Last question😊 if it was not a one and done In all 3 cases, did they have significant improvement and were they still happy with Dr Natale?
My neighbors Dad had his surgery by Dr. Feld in San Diego, it was one & done For 3-4 years but my neighbor (who is a nurse) said he was a non compliant patient & it came back.
I’ve heard they can actually be worse after ablation, have you heard that?
The one EP I actually saw is in Newport Beach (Dr Banker) Who told me his success rate with proximal Afib is 80-85% and if it’s not gone on the 1st try it’s significantly improved but I don’t know if that’s a sales job, o don’t know anyone that knows him.
there are some great ones in S. Cal. From LA down to San Diego. Where abouts are you?
Hi, are you a resident of Southern CA? I live in Orange County and don’t know anyone in this area with a heart issue... surprising since I’m 65! I actually was referred to a Dr. Banker out of Newport Beach, CA who does a fair amount of Cyro-ablations but I’m not sure about his credentials to do these procedures. , In nearby San Diego County I’ve now heard of a Dr. Gregory Feld and a Dr. A. Natale. They are about 1.5 hours away. I am good with San Diego although it makes me wonder about follow up if I had a problem? The ER?. I live alone so it’s a bit of a concern. Any information is truly appreciated ♥️
I've also heard good things about Dr. Feld!
I am in Wales and l had never heard of an E. P. The only people l have seen are my G.P. and a cardiologist. Can anyone from the U.K. tell me how to get in touch with an E.P please.
The route I went was GP referred me to a cardiologist, then cardiologist referred my to an EP. I suggest you make this question a post of your own on here and you will get more replies. Jean
Thank you x
In the US , the ‘US News and World Report’ has hospital and medical centers rankings by specialties (cardiac care). I’m in north Jersey with maybe a dozen centers in the top fifty ranking, I went to NY Presbyterian (4 ranking) for a valve job 3 years ago and Morristown NJ (35 ranking) for an ablation 2 1/2 months ago ( for timing and convenience). Find the best heart center that is ranked near you and choose an experienced EP associated with that hospital. You’ll want a major heart center hospital for any procedure, not your neighborhood cardiac practice. Many such centers around San Diego and LA.
Thank you! I looked it up and it’s a valuable resource for hospitals that rank high In cardiac procedures, unfortunately it doesn’t appear to drill down to EP s and their ratings
My mother had successful ablation surgery by a Dr. wrinkle associated with Stanford, however I don’t live in that area anymore and he I’m sure is now retired☹️☹️
EP
How can I find a good cardiologist in Lancashire
First appointment with EP
My consultation with an EP
Choosing an EP or consultant
