Failed ablation

What type of ablation?

It's called a 'hybrid ablation.' They zap the rear of the left atrium first (usually) accessing from just under the sternum (at least in the version I saw described on YouTube about four years ago by a female EP in TX), and about ten days-ish later go in through the groin per the usual catheter ablation and do a normal PVI or isolate the area(s) they know are issuing the spurious signal (s).

From the groin to the heart.

Yes, the first one worked great for 3 months, then I went into flutter, then ablation 2, then SVTs started with passing out as I went into them, then ablation 3, didn’t work to stop SVTs so one more time! My heart just kept finding new pathways to misbehave I guess. I started afib originally in my early 20’s, paroxysmal. Seldom enough then to just wait the episodes out, for usually up to 5-8 hours. Then it got more frequent as I got older, so began med, it kept me ok for 12 years. Then I broke through that one and first ablation done, so I’d be off meds and no more afib! Did not work out that way…

Radiofrequency, but please remember, this treatment, as well as others, is as much an art as a science. Therefore, it's crucial to get the right doc.
Regards,
Sagan

Thanks for the response. How very frustrating to go through all that and still have afib.

Yeah, I agree with you on your frustration. I have had 2 Ablations and have a Kardia EKG monitor and every so often it reads that I still have AFIB. Very frustrating.

I also just had a Cardiac Catheterization, and the Cardiologist said I had about a 20 to 30 percent blockage on my heart veins and arteries and said I did not require any stents. However, I do have a severe diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension which affects my breathing, and I get tired and winded and short of breath. So much for my running the marathon. Ha! I am 79 years old, and I can barely walk due to my vertigo much less run a marathon. Oh well, I just take it in stride, and I just thank God that I have lived this long.

Thanks, and take care.

Absolutely right on! Find the busiest and bestest EP you can drive/fly/run to, and afford. Their skill and experience will mean a high probability of success.

My Cardiologist wanted to do an ablation burning around heart chamber. I had read some cases of this failing so I was very unsure. I met with Cardiologist resulting in 3 options 1 meds which weren't working, ablation and he agreed not always best results, then Pacemaker ablation. This ablation they take out the nodule between 4 chambers insert Pacemaker under collarbone with wires going in to heart. I don't think anything stops AF but once I go in to AF and I know as my breathing is compromised its not as long an episode. So far so good just gone 6 weeks today. 🤞🤞 Keeps on keeping on

Ann - thanks for your post. I have been on nearly all the meds for AFib, and they have not worked. I am currently in AFib while I am on 225 mg of Propafenone 3 times a day. The only thing that did work were cardioversions, but while they took me out of AFib - it was for just a short time. My EP and I discussed various ablations, and I have read so much about the PFA that I asked about that. Of course, as you say, so many on this site mention the ablation failing. In addition, my doctor said that with all my other issues (leaking valves, CKD, etc.), it would probably not be successful. He has recommended the Pacemaker ablation (he calls it a "simple" ablation). I already have a pacemaker; I had to get one when one of the AFib meds put me into bradycardia, and I passed out. I am scheduled for the AV Node Ablation later this month, and I am very anxious about it, so I appreciated your message. Yes, he told me that I would still have AFib in the atria - but the ventricles will have a normal pulse. My major symptom with AFib is my being short of breath. He told me that I would no longer have that issue. However, you indicate that your breathing is compromised when you go into AFib. So, I guess I will have to "wait and see" how this ablation affects me. Glad you are six weeks out, and all is well with you - and you are "keeping on"!