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Looks like my Raleigh cardiologist is going to recommend surgical ablation for my paroxysmal (ie, happens now and then) heart atrial fibrillation (afib). I would love to talk with some people who've already had the procedure done at UNC-CH or Duke.
Or would like to hear from anyone who has useful information that could help me decide where to have the procedure done and even what doctors to consider.
Also, anyone know of an active support group in the Triangle for people who have afib? If you don't know of one, but would be interested in participating in a free, open group, let me know. I've been considering organizing one.
There is a group of 'EP' specialists (cardiologists specializing in electrophysiology) I am familiar with at Duke University Health System.
My recommendation is to make an appointment with Dr. Tristram D. Bahnson who is a Professor, and the Director of the Duke Center for Atrial Fibrillation.
Dr. Bahnson is a great guy and easy to talk to.
You can see him at Duke in Durham or also (depends on his schedule) at Duke Cardiology in Raleigh ... the EP procedures are done at Duke in Durham.
Main contact number for Dr. Bahnson is 919-681-5816 (Heart Center Communications). In my opinion he is the doctor you want to talk to or have perform the procedure (he offers several choices).
Good luck.
Last edited by Organator; 11-11-2011 at 04:11 PM..
Reason: spelling
Organator, appreciate your information, especially your recommendation for a specific doctor (EP) for me talk with.
My cardiologist said that, whether I go to UNC or Duke, an EP on the hospital staff will not likely perform the procedure himself or herself because these are training hospitals; however, he said the EP will be responsible for everything that goes on during the procedure.
I suspected that would be true, but hearing him say it certainly caused me to stop and think. I know that doctors have to get experience somewhere and I support that - lots more afib ablationist will be needed in the future. I take comfort in knowing that both UNC and Duke appear to have high national respect for their atrial fibrillation ablations.
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