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AV node ablation for afib
This is urgent. Please help. My ep doctor says I need to have an AV node ablation done asap. It's schedule for April 11, 2014...Has anyone had this procedure done? What's the long term effect? I am a 65yo female with approx. 4 yr history CHF and Afib. I have had 3 cardioversions each lasted only 1 yr. Several antiarrhythmic drugs have failed to keep me in normal sinus rythum. I now have an AICD implanted because of non sustained vt. . I only have wires in both ventricles. So far I have only gotten shocked 1x. Doctor said the shock cause was afib with rvr, possibly due to a low potassium level and not taking the morning dose of metoprolol (150mg). My activity level is poor. Sometimes walking from the bed to the bathroom wears me out. Since the AV node ablation is permanent, I am uncertain to have it done. What should I do? Has any one had this procedure done?
4 Comments
PVIs?
by golden_snitch - 2014-03-27 07:03:24
Hi!
What about trying "pulmonary vein isolations" (PVI) or a "surgical ablation for Afib" first, before doing an AV-node ablation that is irreversible and leaves you with being 100% paced in the ventricles? Google these procedures or use the search button in the upper right corner of this page. Usually, at least two or three PVIs are done, before even thinking of the last resort therapy, the AV-node ablation. Also, with PVIs you have a chance of cure from Afib, while with an AV-node ablation your atria will continue fibrillating (hence, you cannot get off of the blood thinning medication).
If your EP is not willing to consider doing PVIs first, get a second opinion! Don't know why he thinks you need something done asap. I'm sure you are on blood thinners, and with that you should be on the safe side and have enough time to think it all over and get a second or even third opinion.
Best wishes
Inga
I had an AV node ablation in 2000
by janetinak - 2014-03-28 03:03:13
when I was a little younger than you are now ( but not much). I have written several times about it & you can go to the "Search" button upper right of this page & read about them. Some differences: altho I was in Afib, CHF & Pulmonary Edema when 1st diagnosed. None of my cardioversions over 1.5yrs work-one did last 24 hrs but only one that did. I have single ventricle lead PM (on #3 now). Am on Coumadin & have been since Jan 1999. They were not doing the newer ablation of the pulmonary vein when I had the AV node ablation. I think if you have not a 2nd opinion you should seriously think about it as the AV node ablation is forever. I know how you feel with the SOB, fatigue, etc. It was terrible & completely went away with my procedures. Hope you have a great outcome no matter what you do.
Janet
Listen to Inga
by ksig - 2014-03-29 04:03:24
I read Inga's post and agree with her 100%. I had an AV Node ablation ONLY after other failed methods of treatment for AFib. I had several ablations and many different meds to obliterate AFib. And it still came back. So I was faced with the AV node Ablation. I have to admit, I put off the decision for many months due to the finality of the procedure. In the end, I had it. Since I already had a pacer, the procedure was quick and I was out of the hospital ready to get back to my life. I am glad I exhausted all avenues before I had the procedure. I would recommend that you seek a second opinion prior to you having this serious procedure.
I wish you the best as this is not an easy decision.
ksig
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ASAP?
by Zia - 2014-03-27 01:03:53
I haven't had that procedure so can't comment on what it's like, but April 11, two weeks from now, doesn't seem like asap to me, but it does give you time to possibly get a second opinion, which would either change the outcome or at least make you feel better about it.
Best of luck to you either way
Zia