Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Program In Full Swing
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the country, affecting 2.2 million people. Ongoing research into possible cures for atrial fibrillation have shown promise, with cardiac ablation technology leading the way. Ten years ago, French researchers published a landmark paper in the New England Journal of Medicine identifying the Pulmonary Veins, the veins that bring blood back from the lungs to the heart and enter into the heart's left upper chamber, as the site of origin of atrial fibrillation. Initial attempts at using radiofrequency catheter ablation techniques to eliminate these areas of electrical hyperactivity were done only at major medical centers.
In September, 2007, Dr. Ishu Rao, a cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP) specializing in ablation procedures, joined Cardiology Associates. Until his arrival, the Ventura area had no full time Electrophysiologist and patients requiring advanced EP services were sent to one of the centers in Los Angeles. Dr. Rao spent considerable time and effort to establish an EP program at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, including setting up equipment and training lab staff. His goal was to offer state of the art EP care locally.
Three months after his arrival, Dr. Rao began performing complex atrial fibrillation ablation procedures at CMH. His training at a busy Los Angeles EP center and four years in a high volume practice in Texas uniquely prepared him to embark on such an ambitious venture. Since the inception of the AF ablation program at CMH, Dr. Rao has performed about 50 such procedures, with success rates that rival UCLA, Cedars-Sinai, and Good Samaritan Hospitals in Los Angeles. Dr. Rao's goal is to expand the program to perform 150 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures annually, while keeping the same
high success rates and low complication rates.
Dr. Rao prides himself on offering not only technical expertise, but also a personal experience. A consultation with him involves an interactive discussion about the causes of the arrhythmia, it's possible solutions (both with medicines and invasive procedures), and a frank discussion about possible risks. Patients rarely leave a visit with Dr. Rao without detailed illustrations that he uses to clarify these issues.
All procedures that Dr. Rao recommends and schedules are performed by him
personally. His lab team is trained to support the cases, but as Dr. Rao says, "My
hands are the only ones on the catheter." While this may seem obvious, it is in sharp contrast to some of the academic centers that patients are often referred to, where a fellow in training is performing the bulk of the invasive procedure under a senior physician's hands-off supervision.
Finally, all patients will see Dr. Rao in the office in the weeks following the procedure. He and his office staff are focused on offering the patient all of the resources, education and instruction necessary to regain their health. Patients find this approach reassuring and comforting. Ask your Cardiologist or Primary Care physician if a consultation with Dr. Rao is right for you. He sees patients in both our Ventura and Oxnard offices.
Dr. Rao Radio Interview
Dr. Rao talks to Kelli McKay on NewsTalk 1520 KVTA. Click the play button to listen.
