Heart-related News Roundup

First, a late-breaking story from the NHL. Jiri Fischer of the Detroit Red Wings collapsed tonight on the bench during a game. He had been previously diagnosed with a heart condition back in 2002, but cleared to play and had been symptom free since. The players were visibly shaken, and some of the guys were trying to comfort his fiancee, who was at the game. All agreed to cancel the game and make it up later- smart move. They say it looks like he will be ok- thoughts and prayers from here and from the whole hockey community!
UPDATE: See ESPNs video coverage here: required free download.

My father sent me a article from US News and World Report about atriall fibrillation- the heart condition I suffer from. The one expert they quote in the whole piece? My doctor, Patrick Tchou at The Cleveland Clinic. Here's the section:

Success comes 50 to 80 percent of the time, more so with a second try. The downside is that it's a bear to do and demands lots of experience and finesse, confining it to a limited number of centers. Patrick Tchou, a heart specialist at the Cleveland Clinic (my old stomping ground) who performs hundreds of these procedures a year on patients with severe symptoms, says technology is in the works to make ablation an easier and more reliable option for rate and rhythm control.

In my case, it was a success rate of 100% (although I did need one more cardioversion). I cannot express my gratitude enough towards Dr. Tchou and the fine staff in Cleveland- I was treated like royalty. Everyone from the minute you arrive seems to be a cut above other hospitals, and the facilities are just first class. I am so blessed to have found my way into their care, and so lucky that the world's best heart hospital happens to be just a couple hours up the road from me! Dr. Tchou in particular just radiates an aura of confidence and competence. He is so obviously incredibly smart, but does not seem aloof or "brainy." Like a regular guy who just happens to be really really really smart.

I could not recommend him, or the clinic, any more highly. Thank you all!