Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
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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
Resources & Links
Instructional A-Fib Videos and Animations
For the reader who learns visually through motion graphics, audio, and personal interviews, these videos are organized loosely into three levels: introductory/basic, intermediate and in-depth/advanced.
STEVE RYAN VIDEOS: We’ve edited Steve’s most interesting radio and TV interviews to create several short (3-5 min.) videos. Check out Videos Featuring Steve S. Ryan, PhD, publisher of A-Fib.com.
| Introductory/Basic Level: For the newly diagnosed patient; Great for the family and friends of an A-Fib patient who want to better understand Atrial Fibrillation. |
EKG of Heart in Atrial Fibrillation Graphic display of actual heart in Atrial Fibrillation. How it could look to your doctor on an EKG/ECG monitor; (Your EKG may look different, but will be fast and erratic). Includes display of the changing heartbeat rate in the lower left. Share with you family and friends when you talk about your A-Fib. (:59 sec) Posted by jason king. Go to video-> |
Two videos: Magnesium Deficiency and Calcium Overload with Dr. Carolyn Dean, author of The Magnesium Miracle. “The Best Way to Supplement Magnesium” For those with magnesium deficient diets, getting nutrients through food is not always possible. Dr. Dean talks about the external use of magnesium oil and Epson salts and the various powder and tablets to supplement magnesium and the side effects of too much Mg and how you can tell if you have a Mg deficiency. (3:39 min.) Go to video-> “Importance of Balancing Calcium & Magnesium“. Dr. Dean discusses the problem of ‘calcium overload’ and the need to balance calcium and magnesium in your body; why it’s been so easy in recent years to get too much calcium and throw that balance off. She looks at the benefits of both and why you need to have both in the body (1:00 min.) From iHealthTube.com. Go to video-> |
Introduction to How a Normal Heart Pumps Blood A short video about the path of a red blood cell through the heart’s four chambers to deliver oxygen to the body and then return to be re-oxygenated. Animation with narration. (Don’t worry about remembering the terminology, just follow the flow of the red blood cell). Published by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (1:00 min.) Go to video-> |
“Know Your Pulse” Awareness Campaign |
Light-hearted: Hearing it from Dr Brain – Protecting Yourself Against AF Stroke A light-hearted, more “entertaining” approach (perhaps for younger family members) featuring two animated characters, Dr. Brain and the Heart. Introduction to the structure and functions of the heart; the risks and symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation; danger of clot formation and ischemic stroke; and use of anticoagulants to protect yourself against stroke. ( 4:53 min.) Produced by Boehringer Ingelheim [manufacturer of the newer anticoagulants]. Go to video-> |
Intro to Stroke Prevention in A-Fib and Anticoagulant Therapy Through interviews and animations explains how atrial fibrillation can cause stroke and why anticoagulation is so important. Discussion of warfarin (brand name Coumadin), the required (weekly or monthly) monitoring, interactions with food, alcohol and other drugs and the newer anticoagulants (NOACs). Developed in association with Boehringer Ingelheim [one manufacturer of the new NOACs]. (5:36) Go to video-> |
Introduction to Anticoagulant Therapy—Living with Warfarin Excellent introduction for A-Fib patients to anticoagulant therapy with warfarin (Coumadin). Practical issues associated with taking warfarin are discussed by patients and medical professionals (clinical nurse, doctors, a pharmacist and clinical dietitian). (16:22 min.) Posted by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Go to video-> |
An Introduction to Your Heart’s Electrical System & How Clots Form Basic introduction to how the heart works. Identifies the parts of the heart and illustrates the role of each, and shows how clots form; Detail animation of the heart processes accompanied by narration. Transcript provided below video frame. (3:54 min.) Animation produced by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Go to video-> |
The Basics: the EKG Signal and the Conduction System of the Heart‘ Basic introduction. Fully labeled graphic of the ‘Conduction System of the Heart’; Animation of beating heart and the two corresponding EKG signal tracings for normal heart beat and heart in A-Fib. From the American Heart Association website. Go to AMA animation-> |
Selected Shorts: Atrial Flutter, Pacemaker, and Implantable Treatment Options Animations from St. Jude Medical; Go to videos-> |
Atrial Fibrillation Best Treated by Changes to Diet and Lifestyle says Dr. John Mandrola Dr. John Mandrola, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist, Louisville, KY, on the impact of lifestyle factors on patients with atrial fibrillation; how A-Fib can be a sign of metabolic risk factors like obesity, poor diet, sleep apnea, alcohol intake, and lack of exercise; and how managing these risk factors can reduce the risk of stroke, and make a significant impact on the patient’s heart rhythm and overall health. (5:29) Posted by Dr. John McDougall. Go to video-> |
When Drug Therapy Fails: Why Patients Consider Catheter Ablation Dr. Susan M. Sharma discusses why patients with atrial fibrillation turn to ablation when drug therapy doesn’t work. Presenting research findings by David J. Wilber and MD; Carlo Pappone, MD, Dr. Sharma presents research findings about the success rate of catheter ablation. Includes transcript of the narration. (3:00 min.) From Insidermedicine.com. Go to video-> |
The Maze Open-Heart Surgery (Concurrent Heart Surgery) The Maze procedure open-heart surgery is typically performed in conjunction with surgery to correct another heart condition such as valve disease or coronary disease but can also be performed as a standalone treatment. Cardiac surgeon Edward Soltesz, MD, discusses who is a good candidate for the surgical-based treatment. Animation, illustrations and surgical footage. (3:19) Produced and posted by of the Cleveland Clinic. Go to video-> |
Hybrid Surgery/Ablation Procedure: An Introduction with Dr. Robert Joy, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Robert Joy gives a short overview of the hybrid procedure in which a cardiothoracic surgeon and an electrophysiologist work together in a single procedure; How it opens up a new opportunity for A-Fib patients with difficult cases of Atrial Fibrillation (1:26 min.) Dr. Robert Joy is an an Interventional Cardiologist with Ellis Medicine. Go to video-> |
| Intermediate Level: For the more informed reader who wants to go beyond the basics of atrial fibrillation. |
Updated Aug 1, 2020 In-Depth: 3D Animation—How Your Heart Works: Circulatory System, Arteries, Veins and Valves An in-depth look at how your heart and circulatory system work. Illustrates the location, structure and function of the heart, the flow of blood and importance of valves in maintaining the direction of blood flow. 3-D animation with narration. Posted by HCL Learning DigiSchool. 2:33 min.Go to video-> |
An Impulse That’s Lost its Way—Insight to A-Fib, the Most Common Arrhythmia A medical description of the mechanism and effects of Atrial Fibrillation (i.e., initiating triggers, abnormal substrate, electrical and structural remodeling, blood stasis and hypercoagulable state, etc.). Animation with narration. 3:24 min. Uploaded by OverdrivePacing. Go to video-> |
In-Depth: Cardiac Conduction System and its Relationship with ECG Animation with narration about the heart’s conduction system. Schematic diagram and explanation of normal sinus rhythm for a human heart as seen on ECG (3:34) Taken from Cardiovascular System. Published on YouTube by medo yaser Go to video-> |
The Zio® XT Patch (iRhythm): Single-Use Ambulatory Cardiac Monitor Updated video 2-07-2018: The Zio® Patch cardiac monitor (iRhythm) looks similar to a 2-by-5-inch adhesive bandage and sticks to a patient’s chest. Electrophysiologists, Dr Parri Dominic and Dr Ryan Jones of LSU Health Sciences Center, talk about this single-use ambulatory, continuously cardiac monitor that records for up to 14 days. No need to removal during exercise, sleeping or bathing. (2:04 min.) Posted by University Health News Network. Go to video-> |
C/NET VIDEO: Compares Apple Watch 4 ECG to Hospital 12-Lead EKG Dr. Gregory Marcus at the UCSF Medical Center compares a 1-lead ECG from the Apple Watch Series 4 to the results of a traditional hospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) monitor. Hooked up to a traditional electrocardiogram monitor, C/NET Senior Editor Vanessa Hand Orellana uses an Apple Watch 4 app to take a 30 second ECG reading. Dr Marcus compares readings from the two devices, with pros and cons of each. Learn how the Apple Watch 4 captures the heart beat. Live footage, animation and interviews. Posted by C/NET. 4:26 min. Go to video-> |
The Upright Tilt Table Test Explained Do you experience dizziness or fainting spells? The upright tilt table test is a simple and effective way for collect important data for a diagnosis. In this short video, Natalie Zalmanova, NYCVA physician assistant, explains the steps of the tilt table test. With footage of in-progress test. (1:15 min.) Posted by New York Cardiovascular Associates. Go to video-> |
Dr. Bruce Janiak’s Cardioversion from Atrial Fibrillation Dr. Bruce Janiak, a 74 year old full-time emergency medicine physician, allows a video of his cardioversion from atrial fibrillation in order to demonstrate both the ease and safety of this procedure. In a very low-key, conversational manner, Dr. Janiak and the hospital staff conduct his cardioversion. Dr Janiak discusses the experience before and at the conclusion of the procedure. (This is Dr Bruce’s 5th cardioversion since age 39; his A-Fib is intermittent.) 15:08 min. Published by Larry Mellick, Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia. Go to video-> |
Catheter Ablation For A-Fib: What it is, How it’s Done and What Results Can Be Expected Dr. Patrick Tchou and Dr. Bryan Baranowski, cardiologists from the Cleveland Clinic describe the catheter ablation procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), what it is, how it’s done and what results can be expected from this surgery. Excellent animations: showing A-Fib’s chaotic signals, and the pattern of ablation scars around the openings to the pulmonary veins. By the Cleveland Clinic (4:00 min.) Go to video-> |
What Should I Expect After the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedure? Cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Darryl Wells talks about judging the success of your ablation, why it’s difficult to predict which patients will be completely cured after one ablation procedure and why some require two procedures, safety and the appropriate age range for patients to receive the ablation procedure. (3:17) Published by Swedish Heart and Vascular Institute. Go to video-> |
RF Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation—From Start to Finish With Dr. Robert Fishel Join Dr. Robert S. Fishel in the EP lab for a full RF catheter ablation procedure for Atrial Fibrillation. In a conversational manner, he talks the viewers through each step during an in-progress catheter ablation. He discusses use of x-ray, protection of the esophagus, anticoagulation, and various catheters including circular mapping catheter with force touch. He describes pulmonary view potentials and the various video screens of a beating heart displaying 3-D mapping information. (1 hour). (Link updated 1-15-2018) Go to video-> |
The Watchman FLXTM Device: Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Technique 1 As an alternative to anti-coagulation drug therapy, A-Fib patients consider closure of their Left Atrial Appendage (LLA). Illustrates insertion of the Watchman FLX™ by a catheter through the groin to the heart and positioning to close off the Left Atrial Appendage; Length of the procedure and post-op care. Narration, illustrations and animation. (1:58 min.) Produced by Boston Scientific EMEA, published Jun 22, 2020. (Video updated 2-2022) Go to video-> |
The Lariat Procedure: Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Technique 2 Closing off the heart’s Left Atrial Appendage is an alternative for A-Fib patients who may not want to be or can’t tolerate anti-coagulation drug therapy. The LARIAT occlusion device is a lasso-shaped suture used to tie off the LAA. Animation shows how the LARIAT is attached to the exterior of the LAA with guidance from inside the left atrium. Animation. 2:33min. Produced by SentreHeart.com. (Video updated 2-2022) Go to video-> |
Mini-Maze Ablation for Persistent A-Fib: With Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Dipin Gupta Cardiothoracic surgeon Dipin Gupta, MD, discusses this minimally invasive surgical treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation. The Mini-Maze is done without open-heart surgery and using a small incision on the side of the chest. Dr. Gupta is with MedStar Heart Institute & Vascular Institute at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. Published by MedStar and Cleveland Clinic (4:35 min.) Go to video-> |
In-Depth: The Hybrid Surgery/Ablation Procedure for Persistent A-Fib For persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation, two cardiac EPs and a cardiothoracic surgeon describe the advantages, safety and effectiveness of the Hybrid approach and and who is a good candidate. Includes animation and on-camera interviews. (4:30 min.) Published by Tenet Heart & Vascular Network. Go to video-> |
| Advanced Level: For the reader wanting a more in-depth look inside the EP lab and surgery, and at advanced topics relating to atrial fibrillation. (May requires basic understanding of cardiac anatomy and A-Fib physiology.) |
Learn to Read Your ECG: Healio.com Course From LearnTheHeart.com – a FREE online cardiology resource for those seeking to increase their knowledge of ECG interpretation and cardiovascular diseases. You can start with the ‘Atrial Fibrillation ECG Review‘ then move on to the ‘ECG Basics‘ to analyze each part of the ECG tracing. Get more information-> |
The Left Atrium in A-Fib: Endoscopic View Endoscopic video of a beating heart; shows the Left Atrium during Atrial Fibrillation. Looped footage with voice-over narration. (:32 sec.) Posted by BillSchnee. Go to video-> |
Amputation of the Left Atrial Appendage: Endoscopic View Endoscopic video of a beating heart; shows placement of the Left Atrial Appendage into the jaws of the stapling device before amputation and removal (using a EZ45 linear stapler). With voice-over narration, (1:34 min.) Posted by BillSchnee. Go to video-> |
Your Heart’s Ejection Fraction (EF): What You Need to Know In the following three short videos, cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Robert Fishel, discusses the ejection fraction (EF) a measurement of the pumping efficiency of the heart and why cardiac patients should know their EF. (Links updated 1-14-18) ♦ What is an Ejection Fraction? (:34 sec.) Dr. Fishel is Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at JFK Medical Center; Uploaded on Jun 22, 2011. Go to videos-> |
Step-by-Step: Cardioversion Demonstration by ER Staff Emergency room medical personnel demonstrates the equipment, pads placement and procedures of cardioversion for a patient with Atrial Fibrillation. Close-up of the equipment display.(2:10 min.) Uploaded by Alfred Sacchetti. Go to video-> |
In-Depth: Mini-Maze Surgery: Inside the O.R. with Dr. William Harris, Cardiovascular Surgeon Cardiovascular Surgeon, Dr. William Harris describes the Mini-Maze surgery for Atrial Fibrillation. In the Mini-Maze the heart is accessed through small incisions in the chest. Of interest to A-Fib patients who can not tolerate blood thinners and thus do not qualify for a Catheter Ablation. The Mini-maze surgery is a highly effective with an 85%–95% success rate. Dr. Harris is with Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, Miss. (4:49 min.) Go to video-> |
In-Depth Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Step-by-Step Inside the EP Lab Using Mapping & CT Scan Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. James Ong begins with a brief tour of the EP lab and control room; Dr. Ong explains how pulmonary vein isolation is done with radiofrequency ablation to cure atrial fibrillation. Included are: Mapping technology; the Virtual Geometrical shell of the heart displayed next to the CT scan; Placement of the catheter, real time tracking; the Complex Fractionated Electrogram (CFE) Map used to identify and eliminate the extra drivers (aside from the pulmonary veins). (6:01) From a series of videos by Dr. Ong, Heart Rhythm Specialists of Southern California. Go to video-> |
Long-Standing Persistent A-Fib: A Live Case of Catheter Ablation Through 3D Mapping & ECG Images Presented enitrely through 3D mapping and ECG images, a live demo of ablation for long-standing, persistent A-Fib is followed from start to finish. Titles identify each step (no narration). 3D mapping and ECG images show the technique of transseptal access, 3D mapping, PV isolation, and ablating additional drivers of A-Fib. (8:03 min.) With Dr. James Ong, Heart Rhythm Specialist of Southern California. Go to video-> NOTE: Before viewing this video, you should already have some basic understanding of cardiac anatomy and A-Fib physiology. |
| Disclaimer: Videos provided for your convenience only; We make no endorsement of a specific physician or medical facility. |
A-Fib.com—your independent source of unbiased information about Atrial Fibrillation, research and treatment options.
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If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Monday, February 21, 2022
