Above: James Montie, M.D., is rowing again after his atrial fibrillation diagnosis and treatment with a catheter ablation. (Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Montie.)
One of the First to Implant the World's Smallest Pacemaker and the WATCHMAN Device
Our team of electrophysiologists is one of the first in Michigan to implant the Medtronic Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS), the world's smallest pacemaker, in a patient.
Our team was also one of the first in the nation to use the FDA-approved WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device. The device is an alternative to blood thinners to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular Afib. On the research front, we are working to create new technologies to facilitate the mapping of complex arrhythmias.
Afib Patient Stories
After Two Catheter Ablations, Back to Championship Rowing
Dr. James Montie found that atrial fibrillation was robbing him of his energy during rowing competitions. After seeing specialists at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Montie had two catheter ablations and is not only back on the water and competing — he is now a Masters Champion in both the U.S. and England.
"Really Living Again" After Afib
For years, Cynthia Apostolakis had an irregular heartbeat that sometimes lasted for hours and caused her to put her life on hold. After a stroke, Cynthia's U-M doctor recommended a catheter ablation — and a few days later she felt as though she had a new lease on life. "At the University of Michigan, they made me feel as if I were the only person under their care. I left the hospital the next day and I felt like living again — really living."
Back on the Ice After Second Catheter Ablation
Medication worked to control Brad Cook's Afib after he was first diagnosed in 2011, but when he began having more frequent symptoms in 2014, his doctors recommended a catheter ablation. Although the first ablation didn't work, the second one did, and now Brad is back to his active lifestyle, including his beloved skating sessions at the Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor. Read more of Brad's story.
More Information About Afib
Visit these pages on our website to learn more about Afib:
- Atrial Fibrillation - Afib: General information about Afib, including symptoms, risk factors and treatments.
- Catheter Ablation: Information about electrophysiology, the branch of cardiology that deals with heart rhythm disorders, and catheter ablation as a treatment for Afib
- Frequently Asked Questions - Catheter Ablation: Includes common questions and answers about the catheter ablation process, recovery and how to know if the procedure worked.
Patient Resources
Contact Us
To make an appointment to be evaluated for atrial fibrillation or another heart rhythm disorder, call us:
888-287-1082
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