ablation

Ablation

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-11 23:25:34

I assume by "ablation" you mean an "AV node ablation".  I had my AV ablated at the same time as they implanted my pacemaker.  I had three failed ablations, attempting to fix my Aflutter and the drugs were making things worse (caused bradycardia and SSS).  When the pauses became a problem, it was time to accept the inevitable and go for the pacemaker.  The choice was either a pacemaker to paper over the bradycardia and pauses and be strung out on antiarrhythmics for life or an AV ablation, ventricular pacing, and freedom from the worst of the drugs.  It wasn't much of a choice.

A couple of things I didn't really grasp, not that it's a big thing, but my atria and ventriles are no longer synchronized (my atria are still in constant Aflutter so don't beat together with my ventricles) so once in a while I can feel the odd pressure in my neck.  It's not nearly as annoying as my Aflutter symptoms and not even in the same universe as the side effects of the drugs but it's not perfect.

Bottom line is that I wouldn't go back.  No way!  AV ablation can only considered the last choice, after everything else has failed and your quality of life still isn't acceptable.

While you'll be dependent on your pacemaker, there is usually an "escape rhythm" that will take over in the (very) unlikely chance that your pacemaker fails.  Your pulse may drop to 30, or below but it's not usually fatal. They test for this after your implant (they didn't find mine but I'm hoping it's there ;-).

AV Ablation

by DAVID H - 2018-07-12 20:56:19

Like AgentX86, after 4 failed ablations (the 4th lasted 7 months). What happened next was when I wished I had a different EP.  I developed a NSR heart rate of 125 late Jan 2012. TCAI EP who was treating me would ask, "How do you feel?"  I felt OK, but I'da felt more OK with a 75 heart rate. He offerred no solution, and on April 11 2012 a big time A-Fib w/RVR event erupted.  I could barely walk 10 feet. The TCAI EP had washed his hands of me, and an associate asked if I'd like another try at ablation.  I declined and went for A-V Node ablation w/pacemaker.  Instant improvement in my quality of life!

--Dave--

Ablation

by pogerm1 - 2018-07-13 00:23:20

Most doctors don't do a lot of AF or Flutter so they fail, there is a doctor in Texas at St. Davids who does hundreds of successful flutter and afib ablations.  Actually I had understood that flutter ablations were not that difficult.  The doctors name is Dr. Natalie, people come from all over for him, before I would do such a drastic move to ablate my node I would seek his advice. Also, you might like to view this site Affibers.org they deal with AF and flutter, very knowledgeable. 

Good luck

AV Node Ablation

by Shepheart - 2018-07-14 17:45:10

I got my 2 lead pacemaker in 2012 for tachybrady. I was having paroxysmal Afib and aflutter with pacs and pvcs. I’ve been on various beta blockers and anti arrhythmic drugs for nine years. Every med had side effects, dizziness, tiredness, brain fog and they were getting worse. 

I decided that for the sake of quality of life I would have the AV node ablated. I wanted to stop the heart meds. So this past June 28th I had the procedure. Since then I feel a bit better but time will tell if I have another underlying condition that was only aggravated by the meds.