1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Convergent Procedure

Posted by allen4501 @allen4501, Oct 12, 2021

After 2 ablations, 5 cardioversions and a final and failed attempt of using Tikosyn, my EP has asked if I would consider this new hybrid approach towards treating a-fib. It is becoming increasingly accepted at numerous hospitals with very positive results. However, Mayo has been taking a conservative approach towards using, which I understand and appreciate.

The procedure is in two phases and termed "convergent" in doing so. The first is conducted by a cardiothoracic surgeon performing a minimally invasive epicardial ablation using a radiofrequency catheter on the outside of the heart. The second is the traditional internal version conducted by the EP. Plenty of articles and videos are out there for the details on the mechanics of why this is working and how performed. From all my research, it does make sense, especially for my persistent version. Given this, and my comfort level with Mayo, I've elected to proceed. Hopefully, I will have all this completed by the end of the year and will keep you posted.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

soozierules | @soozierules | Jun 28 5:39am
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @jonna63 and welcome! I added the @ symbol for @allen451 so he could respond. I'd..." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @jonna63 and welcome! I added the @ symbol for @allen451 so he could respond. I'd also like to introduce you to @lizzy102, @mozziegirl, and @lmurray03 who have discussed it.
What specifically did your EP share that made the surgery a rough one?

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Yes, please share with me. Was your Convergent successful?

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soozierules | @soozierules | Jun 28 5:42am
In reply to @lizzy102 "I’m going to Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland location, for the first phase (and hoping that it solves..." + (show)
@lizzy102

I’m going to Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland location, for the first phase (and hoping that it solves the problem) in early July. Will do my best to keep this space updated.

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Please share with me how the Convergent worked with you

Thank you

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soozierules | @soozierules | Jun 28 5:46am
In reply to @allen4501 "Hello everyone, For some odd reason (busy, life, etc...!) I have not logged into this board..." + (show)
@allen4501

Hello everyone,

For some odd reason (busy, life, etc...!) I have not logged into this board for some time and my apologies for not responding to those of you asking how I'm doing.

Thankfully, the convergent procedure has been a success, from the external ablation of the left atrial chamber in 12/21 and an internal cryo touchup in 3/22. No bleeps or palpitations since 🙂

I'm sure Mayo has conducted many more of these procedures since then and if you are in persistent AF, please approach your EP on the possbilities.

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How are you doing with your Convergent in 2024?

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lizzy102 | @lizzy102 | Jun 28 7:49pm
In reply to @soozierules "Please share with me how the Convergent worked with you Thank you" + (show)
@soozierules

Please share with me how the Convergent worked with you

Thank you

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Thank you for asking. Gosh. They did not do the Convergent procedure. At the last minute (was in the hall going to the procedure room) my electrophysiologist had news. The Echocardiogram results had just come in and he said he didn’t think that my heart would benefit from any more such procedures. The echo showed that my mitral valve was in tatters. The doctor felt that until that repair was completed, nobody would know whether my heart needed any more electrophysiology work!
Now, having had three previous ablations and at least nine echocardiograms over the last ten years, I was just a little surprised. Not one doctor, of any kind, had ever said more than “You have mitral valve prolapse.”
We went home to the correct coast and rescheduled with Cleveland Clinic for a mitral valve replacement. Since then…drumroll… I have not had atrial fibrillation at all. At. All.
There is more to the story. Two chest cracking and a crisis that resulted in my almost dying… but that one is for another day.
Lizzy

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