Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
"A-Fib.com is a great web site for patients, that is unequaled by anything else out there."
Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
"Jill and I put you and your work in our prayers every night. What you do to help people through this [A-Fib] process is really incredible."
Jill and Steve Douglas, East Troy, WI
“I really appreciate all the information on your website as it allows me to be a better informed patient and to know what questions to ask my EP.
Faye Spencer, Boise, ID, April 2017
“I think your site has helped a lot of patients.”
Dr. Hugh G. Calkins, MD Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD
Doctors & patients are saying about 'Beat Your A-Fib'...
"If I had [your book] 10 years ago, it would have saved me 8 years of hell.”
Roy Salmon, Patient, A-Fib Free, Adelaide, Australia
"This book is incredibly complete and easy-to-understand for anybody. I certainly recommend it for patients who want to know more about atrial fibrillation than what they will learn from doctors...."
Pierre Jaïs, M.D. Professor of Cardiology, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, Bordeaux, France
"Dear Steve, I saw a patient this morning with your book [in hand] and highlights throughout. She loves it and finds it very useful to help her in dealing with atrial fibrillation."
Dr. Wilber Su, Cavanaugh Heart Center, Phoenix, AZ
"...masterful. You managed to combine an encyclopedic compilation of information with the simplicity of presentation that enhances the delivery of the information to the reader. This is not an easy thing to do, but you have been very, very successful at it."
Ira David Levin, heart patient, Rome, Italy
"Within the pages of Beat Your A-Fib, Dr. Steve Ryan, PhD, provides a comprehensive guide for persons seeking to find a cure for their Atrial Fibrillation."
Walter Kerwin, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Advice from a patient now free from the burden of Atrial Fibrillation: Educate yourself on all treatment options before making decisions.
Daniel Doane, Sonora, California, talks about all the false info he got from doctors.
“Don’t believe your GP. I have gotten a lot of bad advice from various GPs.
Daniel D.
• ‘Just take a little digoxin and you will be fine.’ • ‘You are probably missing some micro-nutrient. If you buy this product I sell, it may well provide that and stop your A-Fib.’ • ‘I think that all of these tests your EP is requesting are just a waste of money.’ • (From a cardiologist) ‘Don’t worry about a little A-Fib. It won’t kill you.’ “
“If you have Atrial Fibrillation, see an electrophysiologist. If you aren’t comfortable with what they are saying, see another one.”
Daniel did his research and is now A-Fib-free after a Totally Thoracoscopic (TT) Mini-Maze operation.
If you want to read more of Daniel Doane’s story, you’ll find it on pp. 152-162 in Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure by Steve S. Ryan, PhD. Learn more about my book.
Don’t Believe Everything You’re Told About A-Fib
In Daniel’s story you read how important it was for him to educate himself. You, too, can learn about all your treatment options. Check our Treatmentssection covering diagnostic tests, common mineral deficiencies, drug therapies, cardioversion, catheter ablations, surgery and more.
I just received an email and O.R. (Operating Room) reports from Louis who in 2014 had a successful catheter ablation by Dr. David Wilber at Loyola in Chicago. Dr. Wilber is nationally known for both his ablation skills and experience, as well as for his research.
First Ablation with Dr. David Wilber
Dr. Wilbur’s ablation of Louis was textbook. Louis’ A-Fib terminated during his ablation procedure, which is considered the ideal outcome.
But Dr. Wilber didn’t stop there.
Dr. Wilber didn’t stop there; he found A-Fib signals coming from the Superior Vena Cava (SVC).
He used isoproterenol (IV medication) to try to induce non-PV triggers and found A-Fib signals coming from the Superior Vena Cava (SVC). He isolated the SVC and could no longer induce any arrhythmias in Louis. (Some EPs would not work that hard, and would have trouble finding and ablating non-PV triggers.)
Relocation, Then Second Ablation―Failure!
But later Louis did develop A-Fib/Flutter again. He had relocated to a distant state so he selected a second EP and had a second ablation there. This ablation was a failure.
After touching up the right pulmonary veins (PVs), the second EP used adenosine and pacing to try to induce arrhythmia signals. He induced Flutter and isolated the right atrium by making a cavo-tricuspid isthmus line. He documented bidirectional block in the right atrium, but Louis still had Flutter.
The second EP didn’t map and track down the flutter.
Rather than map and track down the source of the Flutter, the EP simply Electrocardioverted Louis and stopped the ablation at that point. Then he put Louis on the dreaded antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone.
Still in Flutter―Amiodarone Side Effects
But after the second ablation, Louis still had A-Fib/Flutter.
On amiodarone, Louis developed the symptoms of loss of weight, thinning hair, extreme dry mouth, increased hand tremors, etc. Louis was taken off of amiodarone and is doing better. But he is still bothered by Flutter. See Amiodarone Effective but Toxic.
I’m working with Louis to get him to a “master” EP, a highly skilled EP with a high success rate with difficult A-Fib cases.
What Went Wrong with Louis’ Second Ablation?
From what can be deduced from Louis’ O.R. (Operating Room) report, there seems to be no mention of checking for entrance and exit block after ablating Louis’ pulmonary veins.
As a “crutch”, he put Louis on amiodarone, the most effective but also the most toxic of the antiarrhythmic drugs.
The second EP did use adenosine and pacing and induced a Flutter circuit. He ablated the right atrium and made a cavo-tricuspid isthmus line to make sure no Flutter came from the right atrium. But Louis still had Flutter.
Instead of using any of today’s advanced mapping and isolation strategies, Louis’ EP simply Electrocardioverted him to restore him to sinus. Then he stopped the ablation.
As a “crutch”, he put Louis on amiodarone, the most effective but also the most toxic of the antiarrhythmic drugs.
All EPs are Not Equal―It May Take Work to Find the Right EP
Don’t just go to the EP whose office is near you. Go to the best, most experienced EP you can reasonably find. I know it’s a lot of effort. But you have to work at finding the right EP for you.
Do your due diligence. Seek recommendations from your General Practitioner (GP) and from other A-Fib patients (see our Resources/Bulletin Boards for a list of online discussion groups).
If you know nurses or support staff who work in the cardiology field or in Electrophysiology (EP) labs, they can be great resources.
Don’t rely on a single online source when researching and selecting doctors. Be cautious of all doctor informational listings you find on web sites (yes, including this one).
You don’t have to live with Atrial Fibrillation. You don’t have to settle for a lifetime of “controlling” your Atrial Fibrillation. Don’t accept being on drugs for the rest of your life. Instead, aim for an A-Fib cure.
The Heart Rhythm Specialist
Everyone with A-Fib should see a heart rhythm specialist, an cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP). An EP is a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical activity of the heart and in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
You want to carefully select a doctor who will partner with you to create a treatment plan—a path to finding your cure or the best outcome for you.
To help you in your search, we’ve also prepared a list of Questions You’ve Got to Ask for each prospective doctor. The list is designed to solicit information to help you select the best doctor for you and your type of A-Fib.
In addition, we help you interpret a doctor’s possible answers. After each question, we’ve included typical doctor responses and an analysis of what those responses may mean to you.
Download our free PDF worksheet (separate browser window will open). You can send it directly to your printer or download and save to your computer to print copies any time.
A-Fib.com’s Directory of Doctors Treating A-Fib: Medical Centers and Practices
Not all EPs treat A-Fib patients. To help you find EPs who do, we offer you our own Directory of physicians and medical centers treating Atrial Fibrillation patients. This evolving list is offered as a service and convenience to A-Fib patients. The Directory is divided into three categories.
Note: Unlike other physician directories, A-Fib.com offers no preferential listings to be included in our Directory of Doctors and Medical Centers. A-Fib.com is not affiliated with any practice, medical center or physician. We accept no fee, benefit or value of any kind for listing a specific doctor or medical center. See our article: Don’t be Fooled by Pay-to-Play Online Doctor Referral Sites.
Leaving the Patient in A-Fib—No! No! No!
The goal of today’s A-Fib treatment guidelines is to get A-Fib patients back into normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Don’t let your doctor leave you in A-Fib. Unless too feeble, there’s no good reason to just leave someone in A-Fib. (Read more.)
Start with finding the right doctor for you. Then, learn your treatment options. And always Aim for a Cure!
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly 60 percent of patients say they like to use online reviews when searching for a physician.
As healthcare consumers, you need to know about the limitations of each of these kinds of sites.
“Consumers should be careful about giving them too much credence, whether they are comments or starred assessments”, says Dr. Mark W. Friedberg, director of the Boston office of the RAND Corporation and one of the co-authors of a study that analyzed ProPublica’s surgeon website. ProPublica is one of a wide range of doctor rating sites available to consumers online.
Keep in mind is that there’s no way of knowing who’s posting many online doctor reviews…it could be Russian bots.
Some websites, like ProPublica, post objective medical performance measures. Other websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Yelp post star ratings and comments written by patients.
Keep in mind that there’s no way of knowing who’s posting many online doctor reviews or what motivated the reviewer to write about the physician.
Dr. Friedberg warns, “You never know who’s writing these. It could be the doctor, or his friends and family members. It could be a patient who had an unusually good or bad experience…it could be Russian bots. It’s the Wild West. Buyer beware.”
Research Results: Online Physician Ratings Unlikely to be Much Help
Looking for the best doctor, online ratings are unlikely to be much help according to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. They compared reviews of 78 of the medical center’s specialists on five popular ratings sites with a set of internal quality measures and found there was essentially no correlation.
“There was little correlation between performance metrics and how patients assessed them on the websites.”
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, compared measures developed by Cedars-Sinai with users’ ratings on five sites: Healthgrades, Yelp, Vitals, RateMDs and UCompareHealthCare. Cedars-Sinai’s internal performance metrics include reviews from doctors’ colleagues and administrators, how often patients are readmitted, how long they remain in the hospital, and adherence to practice guidelines.
According to the study, there was little correlation between the doctors’ performance scores and how their patients assessed them on the websites.
‘Pay-to-Play’ Doctor Listings Common
Furthermore, paying to be listed in a doctor referral service is common among online directories. In addition, doctors can pay extra to be listed first in your database search results.
“Don’t be confused by sound-alike websites like ‘TopDocs.com’. ‘TopDocs.com’ does not claim to rank doctors in any way. In fact, regardless of true top doctor status, a spot at TopDocs.com is available to any physician who pays for membership. The cost to buy a spot on the TopDocs.com website ranges anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, in addition to an annual fee of $1,600.”
Don’t fall prey to hype, advertising, or third parties that have something to gain by recommending a particular healthcare provider.
Are Consumer Ratings of Doctors Any Better?
Some people believe that patient ratings are the best source of information on doctors. Unfortunately, that is a misguided assumption. Patients may be able to rate a doctor’s “bedside manner,” but they know little about the complexity of medical care.
In fact, an article in Forbes magazine stated:
“The current system might just kill you. Many doctors, in order to get high ratings (and a higher salary), over-prescribe and over-test, just to “satisfy” patients who probably aren‘t qualified to judge their care. And there’s a financial cost, as flawed patient survey methods and the decisions they induce, produce billions more in waste.”
What Patients Need to Know
Some web sites for A-Fib patients may be biased, often for financial gain. When searching online for any health-related information, always ask yourself:
“Who is paying for this website, and what is their agenda?”
When searching for any doctor, especially a cardiologist or electrophysiologist, do not rely entirely on doctor ratings or doctor referral sites in isolation.
Instead, get personal referrals. If you know nurses or staff who work in the cardiology field, they can be great resources. Ask for referrals from other A-Fib patients.
At A-Fib.com, we accept no fee, benefit or value of any kind to be listed in our Directory of Doctors and Medical Centers. A-Fib.com is not affiliated with any practice, medical center or physician.
A word to the wise…
References for this article
Abdelmalek, M et al. ABC News Investigates Top Doctor Awards: Are They Always Well Deserved? ABCNews.go.com July 14, 2012. Accessed March 18, 2016. URL: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/top-doctor-awards-deserved-abc-news-investigation/story? Id=16771628.
Falkenberg, K.Why Rating Your Doctor Is Bad For Your Health. Forbes.com Jan 2, 2013 and Forbes magazine January 21, 2013 issue. Online accessed March 20, 2016. URL: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kaifalkenberg/2013/01/02/why-rating-your-doctor-is-bad-for-your-health/#25f3ed2a2f15
Castaneda, R.. Rating Doctors: What You Need to Know. USNews.com. Feb. 15, 2018. https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/rating-doctors-what-you-need-to-know.
Tracer, Z. Don’t Yelp Your Doctor. Study Finds Ratings Are All Wrong. Bloomberg.com, September 8, 2017. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-08/the-fault-is-in-the-stars-study-finds-flaws-in-doctor-ratings
Daskivich, TJ, et al. Online physician ratings fail to predict actual performance on measures of quality, value, and peer review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Volume 25, Issue 4, 1 April 2018, Pages 401–407, https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocx083.
In talking with A-Fib patients, I’ve found a disturbing trend when they seek an Electrophysiologist (EP) at a medical center when they don’t have the name of a specific doctor.
Often the medical center’s office will assign the newest and/or least experienced EP on staff.
Not good. Instead, you want an experienced EP with a high success rate at getting A-Fib patients back into normal rhythm. (You deserve nothing less.)
Your Search for the Right EP
First, seek recommendations from your General Practitioner (GP) or cardiologist. If you know nurses or staff who work in the cardiology field, they can be great resources. Ask for referrals from other A-Fib patients.
After you’ve done your research, you’ll have a list of EPs you know are more experienced in getting A-Fib patients back into normal sinus rhythm. (For example, someone with the initials FHRS after his name, and/or a ‘Castle Connolly Top Doctor’).
Then, you can contact a medical center and ask for a particular EP.
Especially when you are seeking an ablation, all EPs are not equal. Selecting the right EP isn’t like getting a haircut at SuperCuts where any stylist will do.
“Do not take ‘this is as good as it gets’ as an answer. Do your own research about what’s possible and take a co-leadership role with your doctor.”
Michele Straube, A-Fib free after 30 years
‘I Want to Cure My A-Fib, Not Just Manage It.’
Keep in Mind: For many A-Fib patients, their best outcome came about only when they told their doctor, ‘I want to cure my A-Fib, not just manage it.’ (And, if needed, they also changed doctors.)
How to Find the Best Doctor for Youor
To be cured of your A-Fib, you may need to ‘fire’ your current doctor. Seek an electrophysiologist (EP), a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm problems (the electrical functions of the heart).
Michele’s Personal A-Fib Story:To learn the importance of finding the right doctor, read Michele Straube’s personal A-Fib experience: Cured after 30 years in A-Fib.
AHA “A-Fib: Partnering in Your Treatment” worksheet
After your initial Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis, use these free appointment worksheets to help you prepare when visiting a cardiologist for the first time and to record your doctor’s answers.
AHA FREE Worksheet: Partnerning in Your Treatment
Review the worksheet “A-Fib: Partnering in Your Treatment” on the American Heart Association website. These are the most common questions A-Fib patients ask a doctor after first being diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. Take with you to your appointment and make notes in the spaces provided.
Download the PDF worksheet: “A-Fib: Partnering in Your Treatment”. Once the PDF download is complete, SAVE to your hard drive. Click and open it. You can then print, or make copies later when needed.
A-Fib.com’s FREE Worksheet: 10 Questions to Ask Your New Doctor
A-Fib.com Questions for Doctors Worksheet
Looking for a new cardiologist or electrophysiologist? Here’s a worksheet with a list of ten interview questions to ask each doctor and an area to note their responses.Download and print a copy of this worksheet for each doctor you talk to (separate browser window will open).
Don’t rely on a single online source when researching and selecting doctors. Be cautious of all doctor informational listings you find on web sites (yes, including this one).
An A-Fib.com reader, now A-Fib-free after two ablations, wrote me about an experience with one EP she had consulted:
“I checked your website’s listing of EPs and was surprised to find (name withheld) listed under (affiliation withheld).
This is the EP who told me I was definitely not a candidate for ablation and I needed to just accept the fact that I needed to stay on basic medications (atenolol and Eliquis).
This guy is a smooth talker and tells you how he “treats his patients just like they were his family members”.
However, when I pressed him with questions, he told me that ‘he was the one who went to medical school’. I would never recommend this EP to anyone.”
Studies of Doctor-Patient Relationships
At A-Fib.com, we stress the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship and finding the right doctor for you and your treatment goals. Don’t just go to a doctor because their office is nearby.
Indeed, recent research proves that patients do better when they have a good rapport with their doctor. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed the results of 13 high-quality studies of doctor-patient relationships.
“Patients who trust their doctors are more likely to follow their advice, ask questions and discuss how treatments are working”, according to Dr. Gerald B. Hickson of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Doctors, in turn, may be more engaged.
Finding the Right Doctor for You
Which doctor?
If the first doctor you interview doesn’t meet your needs, move on the second (or third) doctor on your list, etc. Yes, I know it takes time and energy, but a good doctor-patient relationship is important. You’ll do better when you have a positive rapport with your doctor.
• Finding the Right Doctor for You. A-Fib.com. “Your consultation Appointments: ‘Questions for Doctors’ and Worksheet”; https://a-fib.com/doctors-for-a-fib/finding-right-doctor-for-you-and-your-afib/#Questions • Shannonhouse, Rebecca. From the Editor: When a Good Doctor is Bad. Bottom Line Health, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2014. • Shannonhouse, R. “Is Your Doctor a Bully?” Bottom Line Health, September 2013, p. 2. • Kelley, J. M, et al. The Influence of the Patient-Clinician Relationship on Healthcare Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS ONE 9(6): April 9, 2014. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094207 Last accessed February 22 2015, URL: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0101191
If you like, trust and respect your doctor(s), you’re more likely to accept and follow their advice. It’s intuitive, isn’t it? But now a review of studies backs it up. Developing a good relationship helps you feel comfortable asking questions and getting feedback in a give-and-take environment.
Relationship-Based Strategies Improve Patients’ Health
The more people like their doctors, the healthier they tend to be. This is what researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found in a review study where they examined 13 research reports on this subject.
If you like, trust and respect your doctor(s), you’re more likely to accept and follow their advice.
A mega-study review looked at doctors who were trained in “relationship-based strategies” such as making eye contact, listening well, and helping patients set goals.
The results: these strategies significantly improved their patients’ health compared to control groups. Their patients achieved lower blood pressure, increased their weight loss, reduced pain and improved glucose management.
If You Don’t Like Your Doctor, Look For a New One!
If you don’t have a good rapport with your current doctors―even if they are “the best” in their field―it’s worth looking elsewhere for a new doctor.
Know When it’s Time to Fire Your Doctor
In the article, Know When it’s Time to Fire your Doctor, CNN.com Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen discusses five ways to know when it’s time to think about leaving your doctor, and the best way to do it. The highlights are:
1. When your doctor doesn’t like it when you ask questions 2. When your doctor doesn’t listen to you 3. If your doctor can’t explain your illness to you in terms you understand 4. If you feel bad when you leave your doctor’s office 5. If you feel your doctor just doesn’t like you — or if you don’t like him or her
Being the “Best in the Field” Isn’t Enough
Even if a doctor(s) is the best in their field and an expert in your condition, that may not help you if you don’t communicate well with them and don’t relate to them. If we don’t like our doctors, we’re less likely to listen to them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fire Your Doctor
Doctor shopping?
Changing doctors can be scary. According to Robin DiMatteo, a researcher at the University of California at Riverside who’s studied doctor-patient communication. “”I really think it’s a fear of the unknown. But if the doctor isn’t supporting your healing or health, you should go.”
Shallenberger, Frank. When You Should Fire Your Doctor…Even if He’s “the Best in his Field”, Second Opinion Newsletter, Vol. XXVI, No. 11, November 2016. pp 3-4.
Cohen, E. Know When It’s Time to Fire Your Doctor. CNN.com. October 7, 2016. URL: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/07/health/fire-your-doctor/
Kaiser Permanente—Anaheim 3430 E. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806 (714) 644-2405 Dr. David A. Cesario, MD, PhD, FHRS
Orange County Cardiology 800 Tustin Anaheim, CA 92801 (951) 312-5922 Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, MD, FHRS
Southern California Electrophysiology Associates, Inc. 1211 W. La Palma Ave., Ste 408 Anaheim, CA 92801 (714) 353-3250 Dr. Alicia Montanez, MD, FHRS
Timothy G. Yeh, MD 1751 W. Romneya Dr., Ste A Anaheim, CA 92801 (714) 956-4958 Dr. Timothy G. Yeh, MD
Arcadia:
Foothill Cardiology California Heart 301 W. Huntington Dr. 301 Arcadia, CA 91007 (626) 254-0074 Dr. Jesus Vazquez, MD
bakersfield:
Central Cardiology Medical Clinic 2901 Sillect Ave., Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 323-8384 Dr. Jared M. Salvo, MD
Heart Rhythm Clinic/Western Cardiology 2007 17th. St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 633-1983 Dr. Shyam K. Nair, MD
BAldwin Park:
Kaiser Permanente Medical Group—Baldwin Park Cardiology/EP 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd. Baldwin Park, CA 91706 (800) 780-1277 Dr. Rasoul Mokabberi, MD, FHRS
Barstow:
Ramin Ashtiani MD Professional Corp 600 E. Williams Barstow, CA 92311 (760) 256-0328 Dr. Ramin B. Ashtiani, MD, FHRS, CCDS
beverly hills:
Beverly Hills Arrhythmia Institute 9730 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 105 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 274-2743 Dr. Kamran Toluie, MD
Cardiovascular Medical Group of Southern CA/Cedars-Sinai 414 N. Camden Dr., Ste. 1100 Beverly Hills, CA 90210-4517 (310) 278-3400 Dr. Eli S. Gang, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Charles D. Swerdlow, MD, FHRS, CCDS (310) 652-4600 (Does CryoBalloon Ablation) (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Chula vista: (South of San Diego)
Dr. Matthew Douglas Pugh, D.O. 754 Medical Center Ct. Chula Vista, CA 91911 (619) 482-4333 Dr, Matthew D. Pugh, DO
Corona del mar:
Mission Heritage Heart Rhythm Specialists 708 Heliotrope Ave. Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 (949) 347-2822 Dr. Aseem D. Desai, MD, FHRS
downey:
Caremore Cardiology 9040 E. Telegraph Rd. Downey, CA 90240 (562) 412-1711 Dr. Mazda Motallebi, MD, FHRS, CCDS, IBHRE CCDS Certificant
Downey Cardiomedical Group 11544 Downey Ave. Downey, CA 90241-4955 Dr. Anantjit Singh, MD, MPH, FHRS, CCDS
El Centro:
El Centro Regional Medical Center 495 E. Birch St. El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 357-0508 Dr. Hanh Bui, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018, 2019)
Encinitas:
Scripps Memorial Hospital HPL/San Diego Cardiovascular Associates 354 Santa Fe Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 230-2251 Dr. Hanh M. Bui, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018) Dr. Ali Hamzei, MD (760) 944-7300 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018)
Escondido:
Makena Building 1955 Citracado Pkwy., Ste 300 Escondido, CA 92029 (619) 543-8213 Dr. Navinder S. Sawhney, MD, FHRS
Fallbrook: (North of San Diego)
Wayne Whitman, MD 521 E. Elder St., Ste 206 Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 723-3100 Dr. Wayne Whitman, MD
FOntana: (Near San Bernardino)
Kaiser Permanente—Fontana 9961 Sierra Ave. Fontana, CA 92335 (909) 427-5000 Dr. Grace Nam, MD
Fountain Valley:
Ofs of Luc Sing Nguyen, MD 11100 Warner Ave., Ste 350 Fountain Valley, CA 92708-7513 (714) 438-0082 Dr. Luc S. Nguyen, MD, CCDS
Orange County Cardiac Rhythm Institute, P.C. 11100 Warner Avenue, Suite 220 Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 751-1150) Dr. Rodney N. Ranaei, DO, FHRS, CCDS
Fullerton Cardiovascular Medical Group 2240 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 200 Fullerton, CA 92835-2605 (714) 870-4665
Timothy G. Yeh, MD Inc. PO Box 5256 Fullerton, CA 92838-0256 (714) 956-4958 Dr. Timothy G. Yeh, MD (also listed at 1751 W. Romneya Dr. Ste A, Anaheim, CA 92801)
Glendale:
Glendale Heart Institute 500 North Central Ave., Suite 800 Glendale, CA 91203 (818) 242 4191 Dr. William A. Huang, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Robert A. Ruelaz MD, PC 801 S. Chevy Chase Dr., Suite 108 Glendale, CA 91205 (818) 660-0778 Dr. Robert A. Ruelaz, MD, FHRS
Imperial:
El Centro Regional Medical Center 516 W. Aten Rd., Suite 1 Imperial, CA 92251` (760) 355-8300 Dr. Hanh M. Bui, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2018)
inglewood:
Pacific Rim EP Research Institute Center 575 E. Hardy St., Ste. 201 Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 672-9999 Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee, MD, FHRS
irvine:
Coastal Cardiology of Orange County Irvine 16305 Sand Canyon Ave., Suite 255 Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 276-2446 Dr. Stephen Ehrlich, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018)
Ladera Ranch: (South of Mission Viejo)
Coastal Cardiology of Orange County 333 Corporate Dr., # 102 Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 (949) 276-2446 Dr. Stephen Ehrlich, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018)
La Jolla Pulmonary and CCM 9850 Genesee Ave., Ste 780 La Jolla, CA 92037 (805) 625-7200 Dr. Wayne Whitman,MD
San Diego Cardiovascular Associates 9834 Genesee Ave. Ste. 300 La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 824-2900 Dr. Ali R. Hamzei, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Scripps Clinic 10666 N. Torrey Pines Rd SW 206 La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 554-5049, ask for Dorie Aguilar for appointments Dr. Andrea Natale, MD, FHRS (installs the Watchman Device) (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018) Dr. Douglas N. Gibson, MD, FHRS (858) 554-8730, (858) 824-5004 (Specialist in Lariat LAA closure device) (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Nicholas Olsen, MD (858) 824-5005 Dr. Matthew J. Price, MD Interventional Cardiologist specialist in Watchman and Lariat LAA closure devices (858) 554-9905 Details: Dr. Natale is also available to help A-Fib patients in other areas of the US: see —Austin, Texas Dr. Natale is the Executive Director of the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute —Thousand Oaks, CA Los Robles Hospital Center
Scripps Memorial Hospital-La Jolla 9650 Genesee Avenue, Suite 940 La Jolla, CA 92037 (412) 447-1855 Dr. G. Stuart Mendenhall, MD, FHRS (858) 658-0020 (listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
University of California, San Diego Health System-La Jolla Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center 9444 Medical Center Dr., MC7411 La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 657-5310 Dr. Gregory Feld, MD, FHRS, CCDS (858) 657-8530 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, MD, FHRS Dr. Kurt S. Hoffmayer, MD, PharmaD, FHRS (858) 657-7000, (858) 657-8530 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Jonathan Hsu, MD, FHRS Dr. David Krummen, MD, FHRS
LA MESA:
Pacific Arrhythmia Service 5525 Grossmont Center Dr., Ste 609 La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 668-2044 Dr. Alborz Hassankhani, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
loma linda:
Loma Linda University Medical Center Electrophysiology and Cardiology Dept. 11234 Anderson St., Room 4404 Loma Linda, CA 92354-2804 (909) 558-7675 Dr. Rahul Bhardwaj. MD (909) 558-4200 Dr. Sudha M. Pai, MD, FHRS Dr. Vilma I. Torres, MD, FHRS (909) 558-2880, NEU, 11370 Anderson St., Ste. 2400 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016)
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System 11201 Benton Street 111C Loma Linda, CA 92357 (909) 583-6097 Dr. Ronald Lo, MD, FHRS
long beach:
Memorial Cardiology Medical Group Inc. 2898 Linden Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806-1627 (562) 595-8671 Dr. Serge M. Tobias, MD
LOS Alamitos:
Los Alamitos Cardiovascular 3771 Katella Ave., Ste. 300 Los Alamitos, CA 90720-3115 (562) 430-7533 Dr. Ramandeep K. Brar, MD, FHRS
los angeles:
Cardiac Electrophysiology Institute, PC/Cedars Sinai 8631 W. 3rd, St., Ste 610E Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310) 746-5335 Web Site: http://www.myepdoc.com Dr. Arshia M. Noori, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Heart Institute/Cardiac Electrophysiology Institute 8700 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Beverly Hills) Dr. Walter Kerwin (310)-289-0141 (uses CryoBalloon Ablation), Fax: (310) 289-0144. 8631 W. 3rd. St., Suite 1017-E Dr. Kerwin’s Web site is: http://www.afibcryoablation.com/my.personal.philosophy.asp Dr. Charles D. Swerdlow, MD, FHRS, CCDS (310) 652-4600 (Does CryoBalloon Ablation) (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) (800) 233-2771 (for Drs. Chugh, Wang, and Shehata) Dr. Edward E. Abdullah, MD (213) 977-0419 Dr. Christine M. Albert, MD. MPH, FHRS, Chair Dept. of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute (310) 423-3869 Dr. Sumeet S. Chugh, MD, FHRS (310) 423-3300 Dr. Eli S. Gang, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) Dr. Jeffrey S. Goodman, MD, FHRS, 8631 W 3rd. St., Ste 445 (310) 659-4081 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019) Dr. Kumar Narayanan, MD (Does CryoBalloon ablation) Dr. Arisha M. Noori, MD, FHRS, 8631 W. 3rd. St., Ste 610E (310) 746-5335 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Ravi K. Sureddi, MD (213) 977-0419 Dr. Xunzhang Wang, MD (310) 423-4856 (Does CryoBalloon Ablation) Dr. Michael Shehata, MD (310) 423-3336 (installs the Watchman Device)
Maze and Mini-Maze: (800) 233-2771
Jeffrey S. Goodman, MD, Inc. 8631 W. 3rd. St., #445E Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310) 659-4081 Dr. Jeffrey S. Goodman, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018)
Kaiser Foundation Hospital-Sunset 4867 W. Sunset Blvd., 3rd floor Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 783-4011, General Info (800) 464-4000 Dr. Nigel Gupta, MD Dr. Jonathan Doris, MD Dr. Sen Ji, MD, PHD (323) 783-5850 Dr. Simon Kangavari, MD (323) 783-4011 (Does CryoBalloon Ablation) Dr. Gautam Govind Lalani, MD Dr. Michael J. Lee, MD, FHRS (323) 783-8949 Dr. Maged Nageh, MD, FHRS (323) 783-5850 Dr. Joseph Wu, MD
Mini-Maze Surgery Dr. Li Poa, MD
Los Angeles Cardiology Associates/Good Samaritan Hospital/Harbor-UCLA Medical Center 1245 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 703 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213)-977-0419 The Web site is http://www.lacard.com Dr. Anil Bhandari, MBBS, FHRS (also works at San Antonio Community Hospital, 939 San Bernardino Rd., Upland 91786) (Does CryoBalloon Ablation) Dr. David Cannom, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018) Dr. Robert D. Lerman, MD (213-977-2174) Dr. Edward Abdullah, MD Dr. Ivan Ho, MD, FHRS (installs the Watchman Device) Dr. Andrew A. Zadeh, MD, FHRS (213) 977-2239 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019)
Olga Voroshilovsky 8635 W. 3rd. St., Ste 750W Los Angeles, CA 90048-6169 (310) 659-8700 Dr. Olga Voroshilovsky, MD, FHRS
University of California Los Angeles Cardiac Arrhythmia Center Division of Cardiology 100 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 690 Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 206-2235 Web site: http://www.cardiology.med.ucla.edu/arrhythmia/ Dr. Kalyanam Shivkumar, MD, PHD, FHRS (310) 206-6433 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Olujimi A. Ajijola, MD, PhD (310) 825-2612 Dr. Noel G. Boyle, MD, FHRS, CCDS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Jason Bradfield, MD, FHRS Dr. Eric F. Buch, MD, FHRS Dr. Osamu Fujimura, MD, CCDS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019) Dr. Malcolm Bersohn, MD, PHD, CCDS (310) 268-3643 Dr. Roderick Tung, MD, FHRS Dr. Marmar Vaseghi, MD, FHRS (310) 206-6433 Dr. Isaac Wiener, MD, FHRS (310) 824-3378
University of Southern California Hospital/Keck School of Medicine Dept. of Electrophysiology 1510 San Pablo St., Suite 322 Los Angeles, CA 90033-5313 (323) 442-6130 Fax: (323) 442-5889 Dr. Leslie A. Saxon, MD, FHRS, CCDS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2022) Dr. Philip M. Chang, MD, FHRS, IBHRE CEPS Certificant Dr. Jerold S. Shinbane, MD, FHRS (323) 442-5100 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Andrew A. Zadeh, MD, FHRS (323) 442-7669 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Surgery Mini-Maze USC Healthcare Consultation Center II 1520 San Pablo St., Suite 4300 Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 442-5849 Dr. Mark Cunningham, MD (Mini-Maze) Email: markc@usc.edu
Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System – UCLA Cardiology 11301 Wilshire Blvd., MS 111E Los Angeles, CA 90073-1003 (310) 268-3765 Dr. Malcolm M. Bersohn, MD, PHD, CCDS
mission viejo:
Mission Internal Medical Group 26800 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ste. 161 Mission Viejo, CA 92691-6306 (949) 364-3570 Dr. Aseem D. Desai, MD, FHRS (949) 347-2822 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Stephen S. Ehrlich, MD (949) 347-7426 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Dr. Lynn Hung, MD, FHRS (254) 724-9517
moorpark:
Conejo Valley Electrophysiology 865 Patriot Dr., Ste 201 Moorpark, CA 93021 (805) 768-4198 Dr. Carlos Alves, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019(
murrieta:
Heart and Vascular Wellness Center 40700 California Oaks Rd., Ste 208 Murrieta, CA 92562 (714) 696-0004 Dr. Ganiyu O. Oshodi, MD, FHRS
Pacific Heart Medical Group 25470 Medical Center Drive, Suite 201 Murrietta, CA 92562 (608) 695-3764 Dr. Waseemuddin Kazi, MBBS, FHRS, CCDS
newbury park:
Conejo Valley Electrophysiology 501-I South Reino Rd., Suite 391 Newbury Park, CA 91320 (805) 798-4198 Dr. Carlos Alves, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018)
newport beach:
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Heart and Vascular Institute 1 Hoag Dr. Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 764-5871 Arrhythmia Center (800) 354-4624, (949) 764-8111 Dr. Mahnaz Behboodikhah, MD, 520 Superior Ave., Suite 335, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 645-9933 Surgery: Dr. Pravin Shah, MD (949) 764-5871
&
Newport Heart Medical Group, 415 Old Newport Blvd., #200, (949) 548-9611 Dr. Neala Jo Hunter, MD Dr. Michael S. Panutich, MD
Surgery for A-Fib: (949) 764-6983, (949) 764-5871 Email: afibcare@hoaghospital.org 447 Old Newport Blvd., #200 (949) 650-3350 Dr. Colin I. Joyo, MD, Chief of Dept. of Thoracic Surgery Dr. Anthony D. Caffarelli, MD Dr. Aidan A. Raney, MD Dr. Douglas R. Zusman, MD Mini-Maze operation with small bilateral thoracoscopic incisions. Surgeons work with EPs for ganglionic and EP testing. Our follow-up program follows the patients for 1 year post op to be sure they get any adjunct therapy or treatment to keep them in sinus rhythm.
& Dr. Pravin Shah, MD 1 Hoag Dr., Bldg. 21 Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-764-5871
Premier Cardiology/Hoag Hospital 520 Superior Ave., Ste 330 Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 478-7373 Dr. Rajesh S. Banker, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
orange:
Children’s Hospital of Orange County Pediatric Cardiology 1201 W. La Veta Avenue Orange, CA 92868-4203 (714) 509-3939 Dr. Anthony C. McCanta, MD, FHRS, IBHRE CEPS Certificant
Orange County Heart Institute and Research Center A Fib Center Saint Joseph Medical Plaza 1140 W. LaVenta Ave., Suite 640 Orange, CA 92868 (714) 564-3300 http://www.ocheart.org/CardiacPacing.html Dr. Jay H. Lee, MD
University of California, Irvine Medical Center Division of Cardiology 101 The City Drive Orange, CA 92868 (714) 456-6699 Web site: http://www.healthcare.uci.edu/cs_ep_pacemaker_services.asp Dr. Pranav Patel, MD Primary ablation procedure: Circumferential PVI guided by CARTO and ICE.
Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation and ligation of atrial appendage: (714) 456-3634 Dr. Jeffrey Milliken, MD (Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery) Bldg. 53, Rm 117
oxnard:
Cabrillo Cardiology Medical Group/St. John’s Regional Medical Center 2241 Wankel Way, Suite C Oxnard, CA 93030 (805) 983-0922 Dr. Ali Sovari, MD, IBHRE CEPS Certification (RF and CryoBalloon Ablation) Dr. Sovari also works at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where he ablates his very complex and re-do cases.
Palm Springs:
Desert Heart Rhythm Consultants/Desert Regional Medical Center 1100 N Palm Canyon Dr Ste 206 Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 883-1600 Dr. Hetal R. Bhakta, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) (Currently not certified in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology)
pasadena:
Foothill Cardiology Medical Group/Huntington Memorial Hospital 625 S. Fair Oaks Av., Suite 215 Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 793-4139 Web site: http://www.foothillcardiology.com Dr. Mayer Y. Rashtian, MD, FHRS, CCDS
rancho cucamonga:
DHI 13327 Hunt Club Dr. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 (917) 359-8164 Dr. Ramin Ashtiani, MD, CCDS
Dr. Truong D. Duong, MD 9333 Baseline Rd. Suite 120 (877) 773-8664
rancho mirage: (near palm springs)
Desert Cardiology Center/Eisenhower Medical Center Hall B. Wallis Bldg. 39000 Bob Hope Dr. Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-0642 Dr. Leon A. Feldman, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2022) Dr. Andrew M. Rubin, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Reseda:
Cardiac Rhythm Specialists, Inc. 7640 Tampa Avenue, Suite 101 Reseda, CA 91335 (818) 600-4512 Dr. Leo Polosajian, MD
riverside:
Los Angeles Cardiology Associates—Riverside 4500 Brockton Ave., Suite 317 Riverside, CA 92501 (951) 742-8846 Dr. Andrew Zadeh, MD, FHRS (office hours Thursdays) Dr. Truong D. Duong, M.D. (877) 773-8664 & 4000 14th St., Ste 209 Riverside, CA 92501 (951) 742-8846 Dr. Ravi K. Sureddi, MD
Riverside Electrophysiology 4000 14th. St., Ste 209 Riverside, CA 92501 (951) 742-8846 Dr. Ronald Lo, MD, FHRS
LA Cardiology/Cedars Sinai 399 E. Highland Ave., Suite 424 San Bernardino, CA 92404 (909) 883-5315 Dr. Edward E. Abdullah, MD (213) 977-2239 Dr. Ravi K. Sureddi. MD
san diego:
Joseph B. Stein, MD 4060 4th Ave., Ste 500 San Diego, CA 92103-2121 (619) 296-3800 Dr. Joseph B. Stein, MD, FHRS
Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center Electrophysiology and Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease 4647 Zion Av. San Diego, CA 92120-2507 (619) 528-5000 Dr. Gautam Govind Lalani, MD Dr. Brant C. Liu, MD, FHRS
Richard Blum, MD 550 Washington St., Ste 423 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 296-3888 Dr. Richard I. Blum, MD, FHRS, CCDS
San Diego Cardiac Center 3131 Berger Ave., Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92123-4203 (858) 244-6805 Web Site: http://www.sdcardiac.com Dr. Charles A. Athill, MD, FHRS (858) 244-6800 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
San Diego Arrhythmia Associates
4060 4th Ave., Ste 206 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 297-0014 Dr. Manish K. Wadhwa, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
San Diego Heart Rhythm Center 501 Washington St., 512 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 297-0014 Dr. Jigar D Patel, MD
Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego 2929 Health Center Dr. San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 939-6561 Dr. H. Elizabeth Noll, MD (listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018)
University of California and VA Medical Center at San Diego Cardiology Section 111A 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste 111A San Diego, CA 92161-0001 (858) 642-3889 Dr. David E. Krummen, MD, FHRS
University of California, San Diego Health System-Hillcrest
Medical Offices South 4168 Front Street San Diego, CA 92103 (619)-543-5428 Dr. Ulrika Maria Birgersdotter-Green, MD, FHRS (See also) Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center 9434 Medical Center Dr., MC 7411 La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 657-5310 Dr. Gregory Feld, MD, FHRS, CCDS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, MD, FHRS Dr. Kurt S. Hoffmayer, MD, PhD, FHRS, (858) 657-7000 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Dr. Jonathan Hsu, MD, FHRS Dr. David Krummen, MD, FHRS
Coastal Cardiology 1941 Johnson Ave., Suite 101 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 782-8844 Dr. Christopher P. Porterfield, MD, MPH
santa ana:
Cardiology Consultants 801 N. Tustin, Suite 706 Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 568-6600 Dr. Jacqueline A. Eubany, MD, FHRS
Cardiology Specialists of Orange County 700 N. Tustin Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 245-1444
santa barbara:
Arrhythmia Consultants of the Central Coast 1919 State St., Suite 102 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 569-2870 Web site: Web Site: http://www.arrhythmiaconsultants.com, http://www.sbheartlung.com/ilvento.html
Dr. Joseph P. Ilvento, MD, FHRS, CCDS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Claudio Bonometti, MD, Inc. 1919 State St. # 203 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 845-6611 Dr. Claudio C. Bonometti, MD, FHRS
Heart Rhythm Center 504 W. Pueblo St., #101 Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 845-5305 Fax: (805) 845-6469 heart.electrician(at)yahoo.com (When typing this email address, substitute an “@” for the “(at)”—this substitution is necessary to prevent search engines from sending spam to this email address.) Dr. Brett A. Gidney, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Details: Radio Frequency & CryoBalloon Ablation; I ablate Paroxysmal, Persistent, and Long Standing Persistent A-Fib using PVI in everyone, plus additional ablation for persistent A-Fib including linear ablation and CFAE. I was one of the first few physicians in the country selected by Medtronic to perform the Arctic Front CryoBalloon Ablation after it was FDA approved and have done several since its approval date.
santa maria:
Heart Rhythm Center 220 South Palisade Dr., Suite 100 Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 845-5305 heart.electrician(at)yahoo.com Dr. Brett A. Gidney, MD, FHRS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Details: Radio Frequency & CryoBalloon Ablation; I ablate Paroxysmal, Persistent, and Long Standing Persistent A-Fib using PVI in everyone, plus additional ablation for persistent A-Fib including linear ablation and CFAE. I was one of the first few physicians in the country selected by Medtronic to perform the Arctic Front CryoBalloon Ablation after it was FDA approved and have done several since its approval date.
santa monica:
St. John’s Health Center/Pacific Heart Institute Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing 2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 280 West Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 829-7678 Fax: 310-829-6889 Web site: http://www.pacificheart.com/SKD.htm Dr. Shephal Doshi, MD, Director Cardiac EP and Pacing (expert and international instructor in installing the Watchman Device) E-mail: skdoshi (at) pacificheart.com (the @ is written as “at” to prevent access by automated spam mailing lists) Dr. Sarina A. van der Zee, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) (Primary ablation procedures: Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation (PVAI) with LASSO verification of both entrance and exit block of all four PVs. Also Cryo ablation, investigational work in the Laser Balloon Pulmonary Vein Isolation, the Left Atrial Appendage Occluder in the PROTECT AF protocol. Performed the first Endoscopic Catheter Ablation in the US March 15, 2007.)
UCLA-Santa Monica
8631 W. 3rd. St., Ste 1017E Santa Monica, CA 90048 Web Site: http://www.heart24.com Dr. Donna M. Gallik, MD, FHRS, CCDS (310) 289-5901 Dr. Roderick Tung, MD, FHRS (310) 825-8811 Dr. Isaac Wiener, MD, FHRS, CCDS (310) 824-3378
Sylmar:
St. Jude Medical 15900 Valley View Court Sylmar, CA 91342 (818) 493-2723 Web Site: http://sjm.com Dr. Avi Fischer, MD, FHRS
tarzana:
Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group of the Valley, Inc. 18370 Burbank Blvd., Ste. 707 Tarzana, CA 91356-2830 (818) 345-5580 Dr. Dave T. Kim, MD, FHRS
Heart Rhythm Specialists of Southern California/Valley Regional Arrhythmia Center, Inc. 18411 Clark St., Ste 203 Tarzana, CA 91356-3534 (818) 342-5377 Web Site: http://www.EndAfib.com Web site: http://www.ArrhythmiaCenter.com Dr. James J. Ong, MD, FACC, FHRS, CCDS (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2019) (Dr. Ong also has an office in Thousand Oaks} 2220 Lynn Rd., Ste 203 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (818) 342-5377
temecula:
Scpn Rancho Pueblo 31537 Rancho Pueblo Rd., Ste 204 Temecula, CA 92592 (951) 302-0888 Dr. Joshua Leichman, MD
thousand oaks:
Ardeshir Farshidi, M.D. 1000 Newberry Road, Ste 180 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (805) 498-9998 Dr. Ardeshir Farshidi, MD, FHRS
Conejo Valley Cardiology 2220 Lynn Rd., Ste 208 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 New Patients (805) 242-5742, Existing Patients (805) 768-4198 Dr. Carlos Alves, MD (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Heart Rhythm Specialists of Southern California/Valley Regional Arrhythmia Center, Inc. 2220 Lynn Rd., Ste 203 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (818) 342-5377 Web Site: http://www.EndAfib.com Web site: http://www.ArrhythmiaCenter.com Dr. James J. Ong, MD, FACC, FHRS, CCDS (Dr. Ong also has an office in Tarzana} 18411 Clark St., Ste 203 Tarzana, CA 91356-3534 (818) 342-5377
Los Robles Hospital Center
Cardiovascular Associates of Los Robles Health System 227 W. Janss Rd., Suite 340 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (805) 852-9100 Dr. Andrea Natale, MD, FHRS (installs the Watchman Device) (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018) Details: Dr. Natale is also available to help A-Fib patients in other areas of the US: see —Austin, Texas Dr. Natale is the Executive Director of the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute —La Jolla, CA, Scripps
torrance:
Harbor-UCLA-Good Samaritan Hospital 1245 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 703 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213)-977-2239 Dr. Anil K. Bhandari, MBBS, FHRS Dr. David S. Cannom, MD, FHRS (213)-977-2007 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) (listed at Los Angeles Cardiology Associates)
South Bay Electrophysiology/Torrance Memorial Medical Center/COR Healthcare Medical Associates
4201 Torrance Blvd., Ste. 560 Torrance, CA 90503-4583 (310) 792-5800 Dr. Gene C. Kim, MD Dr. Erol M. Kosar, MD, CCDS (310) 257-0508 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
& 2841 Lomita Blvd. Ste 100 Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 257-0508 Dr. Matthew P. Ostrom, MD, FHRS
Van nuys:
Fit Heart 14411 Hamlin St. Van Nuys, CA 91401 (818) 994-0616 Dr. Mark M. Lensky, MD, (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Valley Rhythm Medical Practice 16119 Vanowen St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 668-3383 Dr. Menachem Wakslak, MD, FHRS
Vista:
Hanh Bui, MD, Inc./Blue Coast Cardiology 2067 W. Vista Way, Suite 225 Vista, CA 92063 (858) 922-9973, (760) 630-2550 Dr. Hanh M. Bui, MD (760) 592-4317 (Listed in Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)