The treatment will take place at Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, a city in southern Netherlands. The progress of the patient Ad Langendonk and his cardiologist from the hospital, Dr Lukas Dekker, can be followed via a social networking site for a month from 10 January 2012. On 27 January 2012, the disorder will be treated with a minimally invasive procedure known as catheter ablation. This treatment is designed to improve the patient's quality of life, and is rapidly increasing in popularity after a large amount of research and development over the last decade. Together, the patient and doctor will describe the events before, during and after the catheter ablation.
The treatment can be followed 'live' via a dedicated web page, with the medical team at Catharina Hospital updating the progress. In this way, people will be able to see the direct impact that healthcare innovation can have on a patient's quality of life. Users can also contact the patient or his cardiologist with questions about heart rhythm disorders and how they are treated.
Dr Dekker said: "Innovation is the only means by which we can offer solutions to future healthcare issues. We need to keep an eye on costs, but this needs to be done in a balanced way. There is no denying that innovations such as this one are the future. It therefore remains vital to keep investing."
He added: "To stimulate that investment, it is important to increase awareness. That is why I am so enthusiastic about this initiative. In this way, people are brought together, discussions are encouraged and ideas exchanged. Most importantly, the disease is given a face, which gives people a more personalised insight into the issues. Visitors share the journey of the patient and feel as if they are part of it every step of the way."
"Discussions about healthcare innovation are often complex and abstract, but ultimately healthcare is all about people," said Will Ickenroth from the health and well-being company which is participating in the project. "The value of healthcare and the importance of innovation to people and to society as a whole becomes much clearer when you visit a hospital or have a conversation with physicians and patients. Together with the Catharina Hospital and Ad Langendonk, we are launching this unique initiative to show this from a patient's personal perspective."
Background Information:
Almost 300 000 Dutch people currently suffer from a heart rhythm disorder, and this number is expected to rise to about 1 million by 2050. The treatment for atrial fibrillation - the particular heart rhythm disorder which Ad Langendonk has - costs around €580 million per year.
Heart rhythm disorders have a highly detrimental effect on the patient's quality of life. However, innovative treatment methods, such as the catheter ablation procedure, will aid in providing efficient and affordable care for sufferers.
Further information: