One failed catheter ablation in Jan 2023, massive worsening of symptoms in July 2023 clearly indicating vagal nerve involvement. My very nice cardiologist (Professor) recommends another cath ablation or drug therapy which I know will not work, e.g. can't breathe well after betablocker and developed extreme low BP (around 100 /50) while having a long history of orthostatic hypotension. Started to research for myself and inevitably found Dr. Wolf in Houston and Dr. Ohtsuka in Tokyo. Will have the Wolf Mini Maze in Japan ASAP because this is the only causal therapy available so far.
The medicine in Germany is generally pretty good while unbelievably behind the moon in some areas, truly big disappointment here, considering that A-Fib is the most common arrhythmia (one in four postmenopausal women will get it) and the risk of stroke is pretty high even with the novel (very expensive) anticoagulants. Too much believe in the guidelines as well.
Will report about Japan.
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MiniMeGreen
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Welcome to the forum, one of the forum members saulger reports regularly on his treatment in Tokyo and I have made him aware so I’m sure you will hear from him soon. Good luck, please let us know how you get on……
I’ve heard about this. Shame it’s only available abroad. Maybe us brits will toughen up and adopt it soon. Would be interested to hear about success stories. Keep us informed.
You have made a great decision in going to Tokyo. Dr Wolf trained Dr Ohtsuka in 2008 and he has done well over 2000 procedures with excellent results since then. He calls his procedure the WOP ( Wolf Ohtsukas Procedure ). I had a Wolf mini maze over 5 years ago and after three failed ablations and meds my body did not tolerate I remain afib free, take no meds and I’m not pacemaker dependent which I was told was my only other option. Dr Ohtsuka removes the LAA where Dr Wolf clamps it. Just Dr choice. They both provide the same stroke free risk outcome. Im sure Saulger will answer as well. He is doing great per his WOP and can give you tips on travel to Japan. Yay, for you. Sandi
great option! An experienced surgeon there. It’s such a shame there are not more options around the world. There are some surgeons in Europe but actually more expensive than going to Japan, wishing you every success 😍
when do you think you will be having the treatment….
Hello MiniMeGreen. I had the Wolf Mini Maze in Japan (Dr Ohtsuka) almost 11 months ago at age 76. I had a very easy time of it and the recovery was swift. I am in NSR and off all medications, as the left atrial appendage was removed and stapled shut. The cost of my procedure was 2.1 million Yen (15K Euro).
Thank you Saulger. Actually I have read your lengthy report already before and it certainly helped me in decision making. 2 questions for you though; 1 How long did it take you from telling Dr. Otsuka you are coming until you got a fixed date for the surgery and 2 could you tell me the name of the hotel you described so positively? Thanks 😊
Hello MiniMeGreen, I travelled in November 2022 and was one of the international trendsetters. There was a NZ lady, Lynn Whiting, three months before me who helped me tremendously. Since then, at least ten other internationalists made the pilgrimage, so it may take a little longer now?
If I remember correctly, my appointment was about a month ahead. I needed that time to check all the Japan entry requirements (Covid restrictions at that time), arrange travel, hotel, etc.
Dr Ohtsuka is very busy and you may need to prod him along. I asked for an invitation letter to the hospital, which I showed at immigration, but many have not bothered.
My hotel, City Pension Zem, was simple (like me), well-priced, and perfectly located by the Sumida river, where I walked along the embankments during the day and at night, when all the bridges were illuminated in different shades of blue. The hotel itself is not at all lavish, but the owner/manager was extremely nice. The room has a kettle, which was a must for my green teas. It's located in Nihonbashi by the river, which is a great area for restaurants and shops, but about an hour from the hospital on the metro (I only went to the hospital three times). Most people stay in the Shinjuku area, which is much closer to the hospital.
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