I've seen quite a few people saying they did research to find the best EPs for their treatment/surgeries, can anyone tell me how you did this exactly? It appears there isn't any way to see, for example, patient outcome success rates or anything of that nature, anywhere that I look. What are we going by to find "the best"?
And before anyone posts it or DMs me, yes I know all about Dr. Wolf. XD
Firstly by personal recommendation. Tell us the general area where you are based and ask if someone has seen a great EP at hospitals near you is a good start. You could also look up the names of EP's in your area and search for information on them - which is what I have also done then I choose those who seem to have the best qualifications and experience listed. There used to be a great website called Dr Foster where you could look this up but don't know what has happened to this website - seems to have disappeared maybe back in the 2010's. When reading about qualifications and experience also look to see if they list medical interests because I have found that if you have more than one condition it is best to look for a Dr or consultant who is also interested in this area. So, when looking for a consultant to go to for my cataract operation I found one who lists glaucoma as a special interest. I have had glaucoma since I was in my mid forties so a good few decades now. I am not saying that this is always necessary as I am sure most opthalmic surgeons are very capable of dealing with both conditions just puts my mind at rest. Also it just happens to be the consultant my wife had for her cataract operations 10 years ago so we knew he was good.
Dr. Wolf is a cardiothoracic surgeon, not an EP , but he recommends EP Dr. Fahed, also in Houston.
I have heard/ read many folks who appreciate his skills.
Best of luck to you.
I am patient at Austin Heart Arrhythmia group. They have several good Electrophysiologist only problem I have, they are so busy it’s like they are always in a rush. I guess it’s too many patients too few doctors but that is my only complaint. I have not had any surgery with them, just controlled on medication so far.
I wasn't meaning to say Dr. Wolf is an EP, but every time someone searches for a doctor on here he is suggested. Was just trying to head off posts I didn't need.
I hear you- lol!
I hope all is well with you.
Thanks, it is mostly well, still searching trying to make a decision. I hear it is easier to cure AF while paroxysmal and early. Then I hear some had an ablation early, and it made their condition worse and they wish they hadn't. Then yet others suggest never getting an ablation and going straight to the mini-maze. Then you hear of the unicorns who managed to figure out and control it with nothing but diet and lifestyle changes! I will say I feel I've had some success in this department, but the episodes still come, and go, inexplicably. It is a really difficult decision. If I do something, and it makes things worse I know I will regret it terribly. I would guess this difficulty is why many end up waiting until it has gotten much worse. How do you make this decision!
I'd just like to speak with an EP I feel I can trust to help me decide what the best course of action is for my situation.
Hope you are well as well!
the decision is not easy and it is so personal.
Dr. Wolf says three ways to treat AFIB
1.medication 2. Catheter ablation 3. Mini maze
Of course he recommends Wolf Mini Maze which I had October 19.
I had paroxysmal fib for about one year but it was striking me about 10- 14 times per month and lasting 2-3 hours. I couldn’t imagine dealing with this for years ( my parents died in their 90’s and were diagnosed with afib in their 80’s)
I’m 70.
My sister is in persistent fib and managing well with meds. My dentist had one Cather ablation and has been NSR for over three years .
Everyone is so different.
EP’s Dr. Fahed ( Houston) and Dr. Natale ( Austin) seem to come up as experts.
Best of luck
( PS- diet changes made no difference for me and even walking prompted AFIB episode.)
Thank you. I am quite young (under 50). My episodes are few and far between so far, however they are very severe with extremely high heart rates and intense symptoms, faintness being one of them. Fortunately they usually happen in the evenings and at home so far, so I've been able to deal with them in that sense of not being driving or something of that nature when they happen. I worry how bad the high heart rates are for my health, and fear a worse event occurring due to it.
How are you feeling ? I do hope you will update us as time goes on!
I am following a “ normal” recovery path.
This means I wanted to be in NSR following WMM and stay there! BUT, I am experiencing some short lived fib occ. which I am told can occur for three months until the heart is healed. The surgery was not bad at all and I had always been told recovery would take some time . To me it was important to be off meds and even if it takes a year until I am 100% myself as before WMM, it will be worth it ( in the whole scheme of a lifetime). Of course catheter ablation is much easier than a mini maze.
I was only on Eliquis and Diltiazam with no cardioversions and no catheter ablation prior to WMM.
Thus far I have no regrets and Im happy to be off Eliquis.
I wish you well in your decision; let me/us know.
Best!
I would go with Dr. Natale at Austin. The second option is Dr. Wolf. I got PFA with Dr. Natale. It has been 17 months. Not even an episode of Afib. One or two pac here and there if I am lucky to have it. Recovery was a cake walk. Nothing to say about but the healing of the groin. He did thousands and thousands of ablations already. PFA is new and he started doing it since December 2020. He still is in his prime as well as Dr. Wolf. The hands start shaking beyond 60.
Dr wolf is 69. Appears to still have steady enough hands, perhaps.
here is my definition of best ep. An interventionist cardiologist who did thousands and thousands of ablations already. They have their success rate tabulated and evidently you would not believe their numbers. So go look at the affibers.org forum to see the praises he got from his patients.
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