Ask Dr. Z

Patient with chronic afib. Patient went into cardiac arrest and had a biventricular ICD inserted. EP physician wanted to initially do ablation for the afib with insertion of device prior to cardiac arrest as part of a previous plan of care. Next day EP physiscian sees patient - wound check, interrogation, chest x-ray, and EKG performed. Per operative note on this visit: "Patient did well with biventricular ICD implantation yesterday. I reviewed her chest x-ray, ECG, and device interrogation. These are all stable from my perspective. I have left her at VVIR 75 to 120 beats per minute. Atrial lead is in place in case we elect to pursue a rhythm control strategy after she improves clinically. No AV node ablation performed, as her rate control was good and I felt this was not urgently necessary. Her CHF appears to be much improved, though she continues to have some rales. I agree with ongoing diuresis. From my perspective she can be discharged whenever Dr. X and the team feels this safe. I will follow-up with patient in the office in 1-2 weeks as an outpatient for her afib." The physician believes this isn't a post op visit. Please confirm.