GOOD NEWS

After nearly dying in intensive care in February this year I had a bi-phase synchronising pacemaker fitted with only 2 leads fitted. The third lead to the right atrium was not fitted due to atrial fibrillation. Six weeks later I had a complete AV node ablation blocking the fast signals that were trying to distroy my ventricles. I had to make up my own mind as to whether to go ahead with the AV node ablation as the doctors were sitting on the fence. I had an immediate improvement in my heart function after the AV node ablation. I have picked up strength and regained my health. there is synchrony between the ventricles because the pacemaker is pacing them continuously. However there cannot be synchrony between the atriums and the ventricles because of the AV node ablation and the chronic AF. Yet amazingly and miraculously several things have happened. Firstly my mitral valve no longer regurgitates. Secondly my heart has remodelled itself and is in much better shape. But thirdly and most remarkably there appears to be synchrony between the atriums and the ventricles. I can sometimes hear that Da Dum- Da Dum- Da Dum that a normally beating heart produces early in the morning when im still in bed and its very quiet. Im not imagining things. Has anyone out there come across such a impossible and remarkable result. The volume felt at the wrist is constant.There should be dissynchony between the atriums and the ventricles after an av node ablation. Is there anyone out ther that can explain why things are appearing so good.
Thought a bit of good news would cheer everyone up.
Peter.
PACEMAKER GUIDANT CONTAK TR2
2 leads fitted one to each ventricle

2 Comments

Hi, Peter,

by Gellia2 - 2007-10-11 06:10:28

I think it's wonderful that you took control of your own situation and your own life! Sometimes we have to listen to our own bodies when the drs fence sit and make the decision for ourselves. I hear the new biventricular pacers are really wonderful and can do amazing things.
Good for you! No explanations are necessary except that you feel well. More than anything, that is what's most important.
I, too, am SO glad you are feeling better!
Doing the "Happy Dance" here!
Best to you,
Gellia

AV Node Ablation

by BABlocker - 2007-10-11 11:10:33

Peter,
I also had an AV Node ablation. This was done to prevent the high atrial rates of atrial fibrillation from being communicated to the ventricles via the AV Node. Once the AV Node is ablated, there is no communication, that is the atrium cannot send a signal via the AV Node for the ventricles to contract, thus the pacemaker. When you are in atrial fibrillation, your pacemaker is set to only pace the ventricles, which is why your ventricles are beating in a regular rhythm. The 'synchronicity between your atrium and your ventricles remains destroyed. It's just that your pacemaker is pacing your ventricles as your ventricles can no longer contract without the pacemaker signal. Your ventricles are being paced simultaneously via the biventricular pacemaker wires.

So, you may still have constant atrial fibrillation but you are not feeling the irregularity because the signals are not reaching the ventricles, creating a fast irregular pulse.

I'm glad that you are feeling better with your biventricular device. I hope this information helps.

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I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.