New Procedure Gives New Hope for Atrial Fibrillation

Dr. James McKinnie, a board-certified cardiologist/electrophysiologist, is now performing Cryo-Cath at East Jefferson General Hospital. This innovative procedure may be the most effective treatment yet for atrial fibrillation.

Dr. McKinnie has spent more than a quarter of a century developing a reputation as one of the south’s leading cardiologists. As an electrophysiologist, he is uniquely qualified to address the condition known as atrial fibrillation or A-fib. A-fib occurs when the upper and lower chambers of the heart do not beat in rhythm. This lack of rhythm can be quite painful to the thousands who suffer from the condition that is sometimes also known as “irregular heartbeat”. This condition should not be taken lightly. According to some sources, as much as 40% of all strokes occur to those with a-fib.

Previously, the preferred treatment for a-fib has been medication, which is only effective 50% of the time. In January of 2011, Dr. McKinnie performed a new procedure at East Jefferson General Hospital. This new procedure, “cryo-cath” is so promising, it may become the new standard of care for the treatment of a-fib. To date, Dr. McKinnie has performed 20 cryocath procedures and each has proved effective in eliminating or reducing the patient’s a-fib symptoms.

After practicing for nearly 30 years at Tulane University Medical Center in New Orleans, in 2011 Dr. McKinnie moved his practice to Jefferson Parish. Here, he has found the administrative support he sought in order to provide the highest levels of care possible to his patients.

“One-third of those with a-fib don’t know they have the condition. We must be aggressive in educating and treating this potentially fatal condition. Here, I found the type of support, but also the mindset to do whatever is needed to provide solutions to this condition that work.”

Dr. McKinnie is seeing new and existing patients at his new practice, Jefferson Electrophysiology, located at 4224 Houma Blvd., Suite 400. Call (504) 456-8188 or (888) 602-8820 to schedule an appointment. All major insurance plans are accepted.

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