In Feruary 2007, I was hospitalized with AF. At 61 years of age, this was the 1^st time I was ever a patient at a hospital so it came as a shock to me 'cause I run and ride bicycle 3000 miles a year trying to stay out of them. When the doctors said I needed a Catheter Ablation procedure I became a 6 ft. 2 inch 220 lb. chicken but if I did nothing, I would have to be on Beta Blockers and blood thinners for the rest of my life and that would limit the life style that I enjoy: biking and hiking. 

After reading about it on the internet, I decided that Dr. Sra was the best doctor to perform the Ablation. Dr. Sra was very patient with me explaining everything about the procedure. So the BIG chicken decided to have the Catheter Ablation procedure performed.

I am very happy I trusted Dr. Sra and his staff....  THEY ARE THE BEST.



Dan (March, 2006)

When I was first diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation it was a frightening experience.  It confirmed what I feared, that something was not right with my heart.  Prior to seeing Dr. Sra I had been very active.  I was 47 years old and wanted to continue my active lifestyle.  I had been a runner (an occasional marathon) and also enjoyed biking and lifting weights. 

When I saw Dr. Sra he was very informative.  He took the time to answer all of my questions (I am an attorney; I had a lot of questions).  Dr. Sra explained all of my options.  He told me about the medications that I could take and about their side effects.  He told me about the ablation procedure, the risks, and the statistics regarding the likely outcomes. 

I opted for the ablation.  I did not want to take meds for the rest of my life.  The procedure was just as it was explained.  Everyone was great.  I was able to run again five days after the procedure.  I did have some skipped beats right after the procedure but nothing like the afib episodes prior to the procedure.  Those skipped beats have now subsided.  I am taking it slow but it is great to have my life back.  I am so grateful for Dr. Sra and his staff. 

I know that the decision regarding what to do when you are suffering with Atrial Fibrillation can be almost as agonizing as the episodes themselves.  However, I would not hesitate for an instant if I again had to make the decision to have an ablation to treat my atrial fibrillation.

The Heart (Back View)
Click to see movie of the whole heart.

CT of left atrium registered with fluoro image (front view)
Click to see a movie of how the left atrium can be rotated to show all sides.

Ablation points are marked with red dots during the procedure. The dots demonstrate lines made on the inside and the top or "roof" line of the left atrium.