PFA procedure with stroke risks

Posted by toshy @toshy, 1 day ago

Hello, I was given 3 choices by my EP after 5 failed cardio versions:
1) do nothing, 2) new medications, 3) PFA
I have been debating if I should do nothing and stay in A-FIB or risk any type of stroke before or after PFA. My EP is very confident about PFA as he has done over 1,000 procedures, but I cannot deal with having a stroke as I have almost no support. Trying to decide, this is very difficult at 76.

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forensicfairy | @forensicfairy | 1 day ago

I really feel for you. This kind of decision isn’t easy, especially when you’re facing it mostly on your own. It’s good that your EP is confident and experienced with PFA, but I totally get your fear about strokes.

Are you on a blood thinner of any description? Some people manage okay in long-term AFib if their rate is controlled and they’re on anticoagulation. Others feel pretty awful and do much better after something like PFA.

There’s no easy answer here—it’s about what gives you the best quality of life and feels least unsettling. Whatever you choose, it’s valid.

suerte | @suerte | 1 day ago

I am 85 and I had a PFA 2 weeks ago. From the information that was provided to me, the probability of a stroke is very low after the procedure as long as your heart remains in NSR. If for some reason it goes back to Afib then an anticoagulant like Eliquis should prevent a possible stroke because of a blot clot. I took Eliquis and Metoprolol before the procedure and will continue on both meds for a short period of time.

For me the PFA was easy with no pain after the procedure. A very nice comfortable 2-hour nap. Not sure where you live, but I had my PFA done at the University of Colorado Health Center in Aurora, CO. Great facility with great staff. I had a CT scan done the day before, so I was at a nearby hotel for roughly 4 days.

JT1959 | @jefftalley | 22 hours ago

I am 66 and had a PFA at Mayo Jacksonville last summer. It was easy and, so far, successful. I continue to be on Coumadin as afib can return but I have no regrets having gotten the ablation.