Sequoia Hospital does 1,000 cardiac ablation procedures

Photo by Liz Macera

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Sequoia Hospital  celebrated the 25th anniversary of its cardiac electrophysiology program by announcing that they have completed 1,000 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures, making it the hospital that has performed the highest number of these procedures Northern and Central California. Studies show that hospitals that perform procedures frequently have the highest success rate. Sequoia’s success with atrial fibrillation ablation is over 90%.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat in people over age 65. An estimated 2.2 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation.  Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, dizziness, sweating, chest pain or pressure and difficulty getting your breath. A-Fib can lead to serious medical conditions such as stroke and heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the atria, or smaller chambers of the heart, respond to too many electrical signals telling them to contract. This makes each beat less effective. Small amounts of blood then pool in the atria and over time can clot. These clots can be dislodged and go to other parts of the body.
Ablation is a procedure that weakens the signals so that the heart muscles does not respond to all the electrical signals. The effect is to restore a more coordinated heartbeat.

 The most common treatment for atrial fibrillation is medication, including blood thinners (warfarin). Not everyone is a candidate for ablation, but those who have a successful ablation may be able to discontinue medications. “Our patients no longer suffer from atrial fibrillation and in the overwhelming majority of cases they don’t have to take medications,” said Rob Patrawala, MD. Gregory Engel, MD adds, “In addition to ablation, we are continually evaluating new technologies and medications to improve the quality of life of all of our patients.”

If you have atrial fibrillation, ask your provider if you might be a candidate for ablation.

Sequoia Hospital electrophysiologists who perform ablations include Gregory Engel, MD; R. Hardwin Mead, MD; Rob Patrawala, MD and Roger Winkle, MD.