Hello all - an update from my "first phase" of the convergent procedure that was completed on 12/15. As the third patient undergoing in Jacksonville, I had quite an audience - the actual work was completed by their lead cardiothoracic surgeon with an EP attending and several others watching. The incision on my chest is just over an inch just below the bottom of the sternum. After completing the ablation, they also installed an AtriClip on the left atrial appendage, which I did not know even existed and learned a major area of concern where blood can gather when we are in a-fib. This required several small incisions on my left side. Both procedures required drains: one in my chest and the other on my left side...pretty interesting (but not painful) sensations when they were removed. Only had to say one night. So far, my ticker has worked perfectly! Some minor palpitations the first couple of weeks and likewise minor discomfort from the incisions, primarily on my left side, but all were expected. Phase two, which is a "normal" ablation, is in a couple of weeks to touch up the points they mapped earlier. So far so good, and will provide further updates...

Jump to this post