ICD removals

Hi everyone!
I was just wondering if anyone could give me an insight on successful VT ablations and ICD removals. I have a dual chamber ICD due to an uncontrolled(so they said) VT. They tried to ablate but said it was imposible because my VT "floated" They stated it was polymorphic(they counted up to 6 different VTs). So the best thing was to use the combination of anti-arrythmic meds and an ICD... which all proved to not work. I later found a wonderful EP who looked at my records and felt that my EPS was showing false results. It was determined that when the prior EPS was done, I had way too much anti-arrythmic meds in my system and this threw it off. Well, I ended up and had another ablation by this EP and so far.. no VT... I have went from the beginning of December til now, and haven't had any meds.. and no VT. They said that they would like to review things at the 1 year and 2 year mark and see at that point if the ICD can be turned off and removed. Has anyone been fortunate to no longer need the ICD after a VT ablation? I know when my cardiologist found out that the other EP put in the ICD... he was not happy... he also thought I was overloading on the anti-arrythmics meds and this was having the adverse efect on my VT

5 Comments

Similar situation

by turboz24 - 2009-03-02 09:03:28

I also had an ICD implanted for VT, but mine was always "known" where it was. My first EP just couldn't reach it. I swapped EP's and had the spot ablated. I to would love to see my ICD go in the future. I guess it would depend on your EP, if he feels the Vtach is actually gone, because a successful ablation does not always result in permenant removal of the problem.

ICD removal

by ElectricFrank - 2009-03-02 11:03:39

It sounds like they are going at it in a reasonable way. The earlier EP wasn't all that competent it seems.

One approach that I would consider would be to wait a reasonable length of time like 6 mo-1yr and then have the ICD turned off. See how that goes for a while and then if there is no problem it could be removed. It is likely that the leads will best be left in place, because after a year or so they are scared in place. That makes them risky to remove.

frank

Ventricular Ablation

by mrag - 2009-03-03 10:03:59

I've had 8 shocks over the last three years including a "storm" in January. Been through Amiodarone, Toprol and finally Sotalol. Current EP says the meds aren't working except for Amiodarone and the side effects are killing me. That EP and some others have recommended a very well known, experienced EP at a major research university for an ablation. One seemingly needs a very talented EP for ventricular ablations and as noted, just because they "fix it" today, does not mean it can't come back somewhere else months, years later. Obviously things to discuss with your new EP.

But let's say your ablation is complete success. Why bother to remove it? I have a set of jumper cables in my car's trunk. Haven't used them in 10 years, but if I needed them......

Success Story

by Anita - 2009-05-29 01:05:33

My son was 14 at the time but now is 15. He heart rate would go over 300 bpm. He has ventricular Tachycardia and has an ICD. He was shocked 8 times in 19 mins. We live near Nashville TN and he goes to Vanderbilt which is an excellent hospital. The only thing that they could do was to take 280 mg of sotalol and rely on his ICD. After he received so many shocks his anxiety was so bad he didn't have a life. This child was scared to walk across the living room floor. We took him to the Cleveland Clinic in OH. and they told us the same thing. I called the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , MN the doctors looked at his life long heart condition and told us they thought they could help him. We came to MN and the doctors did a 6 hr ablation procedure and also mapping and are almost 100% sure they have taken care of it. He is down to 120 mg of sotalol and is beginning to act like a teenager again. We are in MN this week and they checked his ICD today and there was nothing going on at all. I know it might come back... but it might not... it has given my son another chance at life.... I would say pack up and go to the Mayo Clinic... this was the only hospital that even consider trying to help him... he is doing great... thanks.. and good luck

Mayo

by Anita - 2009-05-29 12:05:19

Hello

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