EP Leadless Pacemaker & AV Node Ablation

Only some anecdotal observations, not medical advice. My Father had a pacemaker placed in about 1978 at the age of 58 and he lived to be 93. He went through a record number of batteries at the time and he was very active almost to the very end of his life, playing tennis into his late 80's, and golf past 90. I feel quite sure that the technology of this intervention has come a long way since my father's time, so I would be confident that today's pacemakers should be effective for you and your condition. Good Luck,

Of course you are feeling nervous Vicky. You are only human. I was with my cardiologist recently .I have had 3 ablations and he spoke too about this procedure. So this might be my next option too. He has altered my meds so we will see how that goes. I have a friend who has one and , honestly Vicky he is delighted with life. Exercising travelling etc etc. He knows he still has afib but doesn't feel it. It might give us both a new lease of life and need not worry about our afib. I think if all else fails I might go for it but , of course Vicky it is a very personal decision. Good luck and please keep in touch

I had a Pacemaker placed nine years ago because of AFib that was only occasionally happening.
Three years ago I had the ablation to the AVnode because I was then in afib all of the time.
I never have had any problem with the Pacemaker or the ablation.
Two years ago I received a new aortic valve.I really feel much better and all heart problems are doing well after these procedures.
Ironically my back is now the problem.
Good luck to you if you get those things done .

That is very scary . I just had mine last week . Pacemaker and av ablation. But it’s not that bad and I feel much better then I did . But I have to tell you that psychologically anxiety is hard on a person . . Hang in there

Hi and thanks for your feedback, much appreciated.
What type of pacemaker did they install? And is the pacemaker they only thing keeping your heart beating?
Thats what I’m understanding,
Thanks, VickyJ

They implanted a Medtronic pacing conduction system . They are new and they have a difference system in conduction for the heart . I had af for 5 years and no med, cardioversion or ablations helped I was very symptomatic . I was sent to mayo by my provider in Jan . This was the last option the put a pacemaker in one day the next I had my heart av ablation . The ONLY thing keeping my heart going is the pacemaker . Scared me so bad but it turned out good and all the drs at mayo were excellent . I was so happy . I’m a nurse and that made this whole thing worse . And you are correct you will always have Afib but you will feel so much better . I did . Please let me know what you decide …. We are all unique .

I’m old school when it comes to the heart or major organs. Less is better. Maybe you need multiple Rx, and you have not found the right combination yet. Have you had 2nd opinions?

Thanks for your feedback.
For me this has been going on for so long. I’ve been on so many different meditations, to no avail.
So much a-fib keeping me in bed for days. The doctor I have has done a lot of work at the Mayo Clinic, I guess I do trust him with his knowledge.

I am due to have an ablate & pace soon. I have had 3 anlations but have not been successful. To be honest I am looking forward to the procedure. My cardiologist says I will have a better quality of life and I will feel better. I am very anxious with the afib but I feel if I am not aware of it, fingers crossed, the anxiety will ease. Am I too naive and optimistic?

Hello @ev1

Going into this procedure with optimism is great! It sounds like you have tried many other options to treat the A-Fib, and this is recommended by your doctor as the next step. Of course, none of us can make this decision for you. That said, please know that if a second opinion would make you feel more comfortable, it is within your right to get another opinion.

If I were facing this decision, I would also be optimistic. Your attitude is the one thing that is in your control right now.

Do you currently have a date scheduled for this procedure?