Charles was a commercial pilot working in Northern B.C. He developed atrial fibrillation about 6 months ago. This cardiac rhythm disorder can have serious complications such as stroke. His doctors in B.C. had him on medications, which also had complications. The wait for ablation was stated at about 2 years. He called RCM Health for advice and assistance in finding a timely solution.
How To Treat Atrial Fibrillation With Ablation:
Atrial fibrillation is caused by a random spark plug in the area of the pulmonary veins. This spark plug fires and creates the rhythm disorder. The solution involves ablation, or destruction, of the spark plug. Charles was not able to access timely ablation in Northern B.C.
Comparing Prices For Ablation In Europe And The US.
RCM Health was able to source almost immediate access to ablation at 6 centers of excellence in Europe. Italy. Spain. Switzerland. We got competitive pricing from these centers.
Another patient went to a recognized US hospital for ablation. The cost was US$130,000 for the 2-hour procedure. The costs in Europe ranged from 18,000 Euros to 23,000 Euros. A very big advantage to Europe over the USA.
Charles selected a heart centre of excellence in Italy. We arranged for a video call with the head of cardiology. We spent about 30 minutes discussing the approach and the successes and the volume of cases completed.
Advances With Ablation Using Electroporation:
In addition, we learned that the center uses a new technology called electroporation or pulsed field ablation (PFA) to address the spark plug causing the atrial fib. This technology is very smart and selects the right cells to ablate or destroy. And accordingly, there are fewer complications.
Charles was very pleased with this option provided by RCM Health. He asked RCM Health to arrange for the treatment within 2 weeks.
Charles was a very happy client who will be back in the left seat of his airplane, ready for his next successful takeoff and landing, knowing that his atrial fibrillation has been treated.