Ablation

Ablation

by LondonAndy - 2016-11-13 10:47:28

An ablation is an operation where they insert a tool through an artery into your heart and "cut" part of the inside of your heart to disrupt the electrical transmissions causing your heart to beat too fast, eg AF.  (A pacemaker only acts as a safety net, ensuring your heart does not beat too slowly, and can't stop the heart from beating too fast).  

I haven't had one myself, but my neighbour (62 year old lady) has had about 6, as the heart can repair itself after a period of time and the procedure needs to be repeated. 

More information at http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/Controlleddocuments/Patientinformation/Heartandlungs/Atrioventricularnodeablation-patientinformation.pdf 

AV node ablation

by Jane S - 2016-11-13 11:58:15

From your profile I am guessing you are getting the ablation for AF. I had the procedure done back in July for different reasons but the procedue it's self was very straight forward. I was in and out in 1hr 15 mins, a nice bruise in the groin and feeling tender inside my chest for a week or so,

They went in via the femoral vein, and using a catherta that basically burns the tissue to destroy it, "took out"the node, like getting the PM you are awake but mildly sedated. Once this is done there is no going back but it can give relief from the symptoms of AFib as the PM can be programed without your own rhythm getting in the way. It however does not stop AFib and you will still need your anti coag medication, potentialy removing the node can cause more problems later but thats an unknow that you are best disscusing with your consultant.It's all about the balance and quality of life.

For me it has made a huge difference, back to hill walking, kayaking and generally feeling just about back to my old self.

There are a few web sites that cover the subject, also do a search here. But ask questions, they should explain why before you agree to the op.

Good luck

Jane x

My Ablation

by Artist - 2016-11-13 14:04:53

I had an ablation on May 27th. The procedure usually involves running several instruments through catheters up to your heart via the femoral artery in your groin.  One of the instruments is for detecting and mapping the location of the areas in your heart that are sending the errant signals causing arrythmias.  After the mapping is complete, depending on the procedure your doctor uses, they will either carefully make small burns or freeze the many different areas in an attempt to create scar tissue that will block the faulty signals.  The length of time for the ablation varies depending on the actual location of the tissues that need treatment.  In my case the signals were mostly located around the entry of the veins in my left atrium.  They performed what is called a pulmonary vein isolation.  My procedure took 4.5 hours.  Time is needed to carefully insert the instruments, map, ablate and then carefully withdraw the instruments.  They did not ablate my AV node and I am not sure how they have concluded that you need an AV node ablation without actually going through the procedure they use to first map the heart. AV node ablation is the quickest procedure since the AV node is easier to reach.  For my PVI they had to puncture the septal wall of my heart so they could access the left atrium from the entry point in the right atrium.  At no point was I afraid.  The surgical suite was filled with wall to wall monitor screens, technicians and doctors.  They had to give me a general anesthetic and that later on, that caused a slight sore throat.  Also because of the blood thinners administered they couldn't remove the catheters in my groin until frequent blood samples showed a healthy blood clotting factor. That did hurt.  At no time did I feel any discomfort in my heart.  My procedure was done at the U of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, AL and the entire staff gave superior care, especially the post op nursing. I was released around noon the next day.  I elected to have the ablation because the medications to control my arrythmias were not that effective and the side effects made me have periods of weakness etc.  The ablation seems to have lessened my arrythmias and I am still waiting for the follow up appointment with my EP to see if my medications can be adjusted. There are a lot of videos on line showing ablations. I don't know how to reassure you.  Most ablations are trouble free but the degree of success varies.  Some people need more than one procedure.  I am comfortable with my decision to have an ablation.  In the case of  AV node ablation, I was told that other areas of the heart back up the AV node and can take over that function.  PMS are very reliable, so try not to worry.

V node

by MAZZAROO - 2016-11-13 14:58:35

Thank you for your input. Im 69 and suffered electrical problems since 8 years old. Ive become intollerant to drugs and beta blockers, its been paroxysmal but now have long episodes of very disabilitating fast thudding irregular heart beats.. you have helped me by describing ur experience,   thank you, good luck.

V node

by MAZZAROO - 2016-11-13 15:00:23

Thank you for your input. Im 69 and suffered electrical problems since 8 years old. Ive become intollerant to drugs and beta blockers, its been paroxysmal but now have long episodes of very disabilitating fast thudding irregular heart beats.. you have helped me by describing ur experience,   thank you, good luck.

Age

by Artist - 2016-11-13 16:20:32

I was 74 when I had my ablation in May of this year.  I don't know about your overall health, but in general, being 69 should not be a worry.  I understand that ablations are done on much older people. Please keep us up to date and let us know what your decision is.  It sounds like you would experience an improved quality of life if you have a successful ablation that helps to resolve your arrythmias.  I can say that after the ablation, mine are less frequent and less intense and are more like the description of Paroxysmal arrythmias.  Before my ablation, I was hospitalized when my HR went up to 239.  I was monitored for 5 days and the nurse told me my heart was in arrythmia for an entire day.  Now the arrythmias are short bursts.  I am hopeing that those lessen more over time.