Treatment of Cardiac Dysrhythmia

Johannes Surmann

Johannes Surmann, a 46-year-old self-employed architect and father of a family with two daughters, reports, "After specific cardiological diagnostics the treatment of my cardiac dysrhythmia using the ablation method was a load taken off my mind. Over the past years my knowledge of my potential hereditary disposition had worried me very much.“

Both parents of Johannes Surmann died of a sudden cardiac death at the age of 50 and all his siblings, who are older than 40, suffer from cardiac problems. Fortunately, a cardiac catheterisation in 2002 was not indicative of any dangerous cardiac constriction or any other serious heart disease. However, in 2004 dysrhythmia of the cardiac atrium suddenly occurred and required treatment.

"Of all 9 children of my parents I am the one affected most by cardiac dysrhythmia, a disease which also worried me physically over recent times. I suffered a lot in my private life and at work from frequently recurring tachycardia and resulting restrictions to my performance," describes Johannes Surmann the last few months before his treatment.

Targeted Treatment of Cardiac Dysrhythmia

Following the initial diagnosis of cardiac dysrhythmia, which could be treated with drugs in the beginning, external current surges, so-called cardioversions, became necessary again and again. "Over the past year the intervals during which my heart could only be restimulated by a current surge became shorter and shorter. Finally, the cardiological experts of the Schüchtermann-Klinik who are well-experienced in the treatment of complex cardiac dysrhythmia advised me to undergo a so-called ablation surgery."

Following a pre-operation discussion and necessary further examinations, such as an ultrasonic examination of the heart, an ECG examination and various blood tests, Johannes Surmann was taken to the intervention room of the cardiac catheterisation lab on 2 September 2008. During the catheter treatment over several hours the regions of the conduction system of the heart which were responsible for the occurrence of cardiac dysrhythmia were ablated.

Johannes Surmann summarises his experiences during the intervention as follows, "My hands were a bit clammy when they pushed me into the intervention room, but the nice medical team helped me to quickly overcome my fear. During the major part of the treatment I was fully conscious; they administered me sleeping drugs only for a short time." Two days after the complication-free ablation treatment, i.e. a so-called circumferential pulmonary vein isolation in the case of Mr. Surmann, Johannes Surmann can pack his bags again. Johannes Surmann looks forward to the forthcoming weekend together with his wife, "I am surprised how soon people can go home after such treatment."

The senior physician of cardiology, Dr. Wolfgang Kranig, supervises the catheter ablation procedure my means of a modern, three-dimensional CARTO system.

During the final discussion the Assistant Medical Director, Dr. Wolfgang Kranig, explains the expected progress to his patient, "The full success of your ablation treatment will appear within the next weeks and months. Your cardiac dysrhythmia should be a thing of the past as soon as the ablated regions have fully healed.“

Positive Perspective on the Future

Johannes Surmann looks forward to a future without fears. "I felt relieved when other serious heart problems were excluded. The more I approached the age of 50, the more I used to think of the fate of my parents. Still it will take some time to forget this sword of Damocles, but I'm working on it. What I also expect of the treatment of my cardiac dysrhythmia is a significant improvement in the quality of my life. I will be happy to be rid of the annoying and restricting tachycardia and be fully there for my family and my 10 employees."