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🩺Medical Monday:🩺Interviews with the Experts: Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation with Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Roswell, GA

In this episode of Interviews with the Expert: ECG Making Waves, host Dr. Anthony Kashou is joined by Dr. Ammar Killu to discuss the evolving role of combining pulsed field ablation (PFA) with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for patients with atrial fibrillation. Together, they explore the rationale for a combined approach, the potential advantages of PFA over conventional thermal ablation, and key procedural considerations for performing both interventions safely and effectively in a… read more

July 20
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A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

Interesting, it gives lots of information. As usual, I am going to have to watch it a couple of times to get the most out of it. With me, the major symptoms I have, am not sure if it is heart failure, AFib, or side effects from the medication that is causing it. I guess I am giving my cardiologist a pretty good challenge.

July 23 (edited)
MyHeartDiseaseTeam

What a great topic for Medical Monday! This video covers two important procedures for managing atrial fibrillation (AFib) — pulsed field ablation (PFA) and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) — and how they can be combined in a single session.

Here's a quick breakdown of each:

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA)
- A newer type Show Full Answer

What a great topic for Medical Monday! This video covers two important procedures for managing atrial fibrillation (AFib) — pulsed field ablation (PFA) and left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) — and how they can be combined in a single session.

Here's a quick breakdown of each:

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA)
- A newer type of catheter ablation
- Uses high-energy electrical pulses to target heart tissue causing irregular rhythms
- May shorten procedure time compared to traditional thermal ablation methods
- Like all ablation procedures, carries some risks including infection, blood vessel damage, and blood clots Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)
- Closes a small pouch in the left atrium where blood clots can form
- Often recommended for people who cannot take blood thinners long-term
- Inserted via a catheter through a vein near the groin
- Risks include device misplacement, blood buildup in the heart, and stroke

Combining both procedures in one session is an exciting development in AFib care. Always speak with a cardiologist to understand whether either or both procedures might be right for your specific situation.

July 20
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

@A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member This video talks about pulse field ablation for arrhythmias combined with surgery like the Watchman to get off blood thinners. This really only applies to those of us with AFIB. This is a new approach: doing one procedure and fixing 2 problems so you don't have to undergo 2 surgeries.

July 20
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

How do you know if you have plz? What are the signs if you don’t mind? I see my heart doctor today. She is new n I’m guessing will be discussing what’s going on with me, I hope.

July 20
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

I had this done as 2 separate procedures. Having them done during one procedure would be great!

July 23

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