Another ablation after 20 years, how have they changed?

Posted by bohaiboy @bohaiboy, Apr 1 11:59pm

I fad a radial ablation in 2006. For the most part, 99% good. An occasional episode, but rare. I am 70 lbs lighter and also use a CPAP religiously. Went in for a six month check up and the did an ekg. Two different machines. Indicated I was in afib but didn’t feel it at all. Doc suggested at my age, 66, that I consider anther ablation. (20 years since first one). He said untreated, even tho I don’t feel like I am in afib, can lead to premature heart failure. Thoughts?

My first ablation was approximately 5 hrs. Have they improved times? And different techniques? TIA

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veronica0127 | @veronica0127 | 6 days ago

In reply to @janegul "First-time posting here. I am considering PFA for Afib/flutter. Cardioversion for flutter worked for 14 months...." + (show)

@janegul second opinion always. Ask about Blanking Period after procedure 3 months after PA heart rate. I had PA and watchman went well over 3 weeks ago. 6 days ago as soonest I started walking my hr goes up 112 to 120 I feel fine when I sit a tiny shortness of breath. I feel fine just annoyed Is called the Blanking Period I have an Apple Watch very helpful. The very best to you

janegul | @janegul | 6 days ago

In reply to @veronica0127 "@janegul second opinion always. Ask about Blanking Period after procedure 3 months after PA heart rate...." + (show)

@veronica0127 Thank you very much! I'm making a list of questions to ask at my next appt. Not rushing into this at my age.

veronica0127 | @veronica0127 | 6 days ago

In reply to @janegul "@veronica0127 Thank you very much! I'm making a list of questions to ask at my next..." + (show)

@janegul Best Wishes keep me informed. Take care. Blessings

gloaming | @gloaming | 5 days ago

In reply to @janegul "First-time posting here. I am considering PFA for Afib/flutter. Cardioversion for flutter worked for 14 months...." + (show)

@janegul I am not an expert, nor am I a physician. However, I don't see how scoliosis can have a substantially detrimental effect on the passage of a catheter up your femoral vein to your heart. After all, your own blood doesn't seem to have any trouble with that path!

I can't address your concerns over anesthesia, but I do think you are right to at least inquire and to be wary. My own father was recently in hospital and was being told he might have to have surgery under a GA. He mentioned the caution typical for well-ripened seniors, but the internist said it was a lot of hogwash. No worries, he said. It may be true that some aged people won't do especially well under GA, but I suspect they have other problems that a GA would likely exacerbate.

And if the worse comes to the worst, some anesthetists can snow you just enough that you're fully sedated but not 'out'.

gloaming | @gloaming | 5 days ago

In reply to @veronica0127 "@gloaming I had a pulsed ablation and watchman. Over 3 weeks ago all good but 6..." + (show)

@veronica0127 The blanking period typically runs about 10 weeks from the date of the ablation. Some EPs leave their patients on the medications they were on, maybe at a reduced dose, for much or all of the blanking period. This includes AADs, anti-arrhythmic drugs like flecainide or Tikosyn, even propafenone (Rhythmol). About the 12-week mark or so, you would be invited to wear a Holter monitor or similar device for up to 24 hours, but often it's a mid-afternoon pickup and fitting and you drop it off near noon the next day. You record on a sheet provided all significant events, meals, snacks, exercise, anything that you know might 'set you off' with a rapid heartbeat, but with the time included....when each started and stopped. This way they can match up any blips of arrhythmia, if they occur, with a significant stressor or event.

I am not an expert in this and have no medical training. I would think, and hope, that an EP assigning you a Holter monitor would want you off all rate control and arrythmic drugs at least a full week beforehand. You would want the Holter to see the unvarnished heart you really have post-ablation, warts and all. NOT being babied by the drugs!

janegul | @janegul | 5 days ago

In reply to @gloaming "@janegul I am not an expert, nor am I a physician. However, I don't see how..." + (show)

@gloaming Thanks for these helpful observations. Lots to ponder. I enjoyed your characterization of "well-ripened seniors" BTW.

osgilian | @osgilian | 4 days ago

In reply to @janegul "First-time posting here. I am considering PFA for Afib/flutter. Cardioversion for flutter worked for 14 months...." + (show)

@janegul I had a catheter ablation for. SVT 3 weeks ago. 3 hours, done completely under conscious sedation. The "conscious " part is a bit of a misnomer; I remember absolutely nothing! But my after-surgery report says I was "awake, alert and participated in the procedure." There was no leftover grogginess at all, I was in recovery about 20 minutes before they sent me back to my room. Home a few hours later, zero leftover anesthesia effects. After that experience, I'm no longer nervous about conscious anesthesia.

janegul | @janegul | 4 days ago

In reply to @osgilian "@janegul I had a catheter ablation for. SVT 3 weeks ago. 3 hours, done completely under..." + (show)

@osgilian Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with anesthesia. Very helpful!

1farmergary | @1farmergary | 3 days ago

In reply to @osgilian "@janegul I had a catheter ablation for. SVT 3 weeks ago. 3 hours, done completely under..." + (show)

@osgilian

Where and surgeons name?

osgilian | @osgilian | 3 days ago

In reply to @1farmergary "@osgilian Where and surgeons name?" + (show)

@1farmergary Hartford Connecticut, St Francis hospital, Dr Majahan. Came highly recommended by my very exacting cardiologist of 25+ years.

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