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AV Node Ablation

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-25 11:04:19

An AV node ablation should be the last option, only considered after all other options have failed.  I'm not sure you're there yet. Cardioversions rarely work,  long term, but are at least a first step (I've had a bunch, too - first one worked for 7 years, last one, 3 weeks, some not long enough to get out of recovery).

Between cardioversion and an AV node ablation, is the cardiac ablation procedure. The idea is to create non-conductive scar tissue in the faulty electrical path to eliminate the arrhythmia. This is a minimally invasive though highly skilled procedure. Only an electrophysiologist who does a hundred or more of these procedures a year should be considered.

An AV node ablation will "fix" Afib but it also leaves one pacemaker dependent,  which is not a good thing. It also only papers over the problem. It cures nothing. You will be on anticoagulants for the rest of your life, unless you have other surgery, usually not covered by insurance.

Note that the only reason to do any of these procedures is to relieve intolerable symptoms and improve quality of life. Afib isn't deadly, though it does greatly increase your chances of stroke. AV node ablation doesn't help at all.

Now that I've told you all the reasons why you don't want to do this,  I went down this path,  too.  I had an an AV node ablation and pacemaker implanted (same time) in February. However,  before I got to that point I had a Maze procedure three years and three failed ablations in 18 the months before. I don't think you're there yet but it seems your doctors have skipped an important step and committed you to pacemaker dependency and cardiac dyssynchrony.

AV Node Ablation

by cjhall - 2018-07-26 14:56:54

AgentX86 thank you for your response. I must tell you in my previous post as a new member, I did not go into greater detail why I'm having this procedure. However, it was informative to read all your concerns. After so many incidents of passing out, concussion from hitting my head on our stone floor, goose eggs or split scalp I had to find relief. Just making the bed in the morning leaves me breathless as if I'd run a marathon, that's the only way to explain it for me. I can't exercise, walk very far with my dog or even live a normal life without my heart acting like a crazy jumping bean in my chest, from over 200 heart beats to a low of 30 all within minutes of one to the other. I have been on Coumadin for 18 years, since my heart valve replacement and many types of medication to control rhythm and pace. Finally, my cardiologist here in Las Vegas referred me to a specialist surgeon in Cardiac Electrophysiology.

It was during this consultation and many tests of my heart that a decision was presented to have a Permanent Pacemaker and AV Node Ablation. I have thoroughly researched this alternative knowing all the pros and cons and am willing to go for it accepting the risks involved for a chance at a more normal life for the years I may have left. My father had almost the same problems I am now experiencing so I would say it's hereditary. 

Thank you again for your previous well informed response. CJHALL

AV node ablation

by pogerm1 - 2018-07-27 22:30:17

If you live in Las Vegas you are not to far from ST. Davids in Texas and a brilliant doctor Dr. Natalie, he has done thousands of successful ablations for AF.  Before i would have a node ablation i would check every avenue.  Too me if a doctor suggested a node ablation he is not very qualified. 

AV Node Ablation

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-28 00:35:59

CJ, your added detail changes (almost) everything.  AV ablations aren't to be taken lightly.  You will be totally dependent on the pacemaker (perhaps even without an escape rhythm) and there is no going back.  As long as you're absolutely certain you've tried everything else possible, it becomes a valid option.  The chances that it will work are very high but so is the danger. As I noted, I've been down this road and it appears you've exhausted your options, as well. 

I hope you do as well as I have with this option.  Hearing of the battery issues, here, makes me cringe, though.  ;-)