My guest today is Dr. Christian Shults, the Co-Director of Aortic Surgery, the Director of Surgical Ablation, and the Director of Innovation at Medstar Heart and Vascular Institute in Washington DC.

In addition to coronary bypass and valve surgery, Dr. Shults has developed significant expertise in complex open and endovascular aortic surgery, as well as transcatheter valve therapy and minimally invasive surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation. Dr. Shults consistently embraces new technology and innovation to safely deliver life-altering therapies in the least invasive way possible. 

Join us for a discussion around Dr. Shults’ algorithm for when to use TT vs. Convergent, the technical details of how he performs procedures such as the Convergent and the Cox Maze IV,  his personal ablation protocols and technique, and more.

 All Things Afib is hosted by me, Dr. Armin Kiankhooy. As a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, my focus is on advanced treatments for heart and lung failure and minimally-invasive surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation such as the Hybrid Maze procedure. You can find me on staff at Adventist Health Heart and Vascular Institute in St. Helena California.

Discussion points: 

Tell us a little about your practice at Medstar?

How do you decide between TT vs. Convergent?

Is there a cutoff you observe, or is it just a general impression

How durable have you found the posterior wall ablation to be?

Have you found a difference in stroke outcomes with only posterior wall ablation vs. left atrial appendage management?

Shults walks us through his steps for the Convergent procedure

What is your follow-up protocol at Medstar?

The Cox-Maze IV and Dr. Shults’ preferences for the procedure

Final words? “Become an expert in AFib!”

Resources: 

Dr. Christian Shults LinkedIn

Dr. Christian Shults at Medstar

Email Dr. Shults with questions or to inquire about a fellowship

Dr. Kiankhooy LinkedIn

All Things AFib Website

All Things AFib Twitter

All Things AFib YouTube Channel