A V NODE ABLATION

Thank you for the comments on my request for A V Node ablation and pacemaker implant. Diagnosed with AFib in 2002 and had ablation 6 mos later. Did not help. Started on amiodorin in 2003 and 5 yrs later some of the side effects have begun to surface. The electrophysiolgist recommended the pacemaker and A V Node ablation. Had the implant 3 weeks ago and waiting for ablation. Have been able to control INR without difficulty. By the way, Medicare will soon begin to supply a home use INR kit. Thanks for the great forum.

3 Comments

AV node ablation

by Vai - 2008-02-27 01:02:48

You had an ablation in 2002 and said it did not help, then why would another ablation now help?
You had been on amiodorone for 5 years and side effects are surfacing. So you are recommended a PM and another ablation. I share my experience, very similar as yours.

I was diagnozed with Afib and was prescribed amiodorone (no PM and no ablation was done as the amiodorane was adequate to manage the effects of the afib). However very bad side effects surfaced after 2 years and doctor switched me to metaprolol. Side effects fortunately reversed itself after a year. Metaprolol worked for about 2 years, then Afib worsen and was rushed to ER twice. Suggested solution was a PM + ablation. However the EP implanted PM and prescribed sotalol. The EP monitored this and concluded that ablation was not necessary - it can wait another day another time.

The sotalol is slowing the heart rate sufficiently to manage the afib episodes (now less than 1.5% over time and I hardly feel its effects). The PM supports the heart rate if it drops below 60 bpm (low threshold of PM set at 60 bpm), providing the support if the sotalol slows down the heart too much. This delicate balancing act has helped me tremendously and improved the quality of life for the last 18 months. Sotalol too have some physical side effects mainly fatigue, limbs feel like lead etc but so far I am not affected.

I hope this help.
Good luck with your recovery.

Is the node ablation still necessary?

by bambi - 2008-02-27 12:02:59

Will your Dr. give you a chance to see if your new pacemaker will help your issues before doing the AV node ablation? I'm sure you know that you will be totally pacemaker dependent following the ablation. I also have Afib and my Dr. has said ,"well we can always do an AV node ablation.", but I hesitate to have any more of my heart destroyed as I had my sinus node totally ablated. A lot of the new pacemakers have features that deal with Afib and lots of patients have been able to cope with the bouts of it. Just a thought. Good luck and let us know how you do.
Bambi

Pacemaker & A V ablation

by BERT R - 2008-03-03 11:03:32

Had a pacemaker check-up today and everything was very good. Will not have any further procedures at this time. Thanks to Bambi and Vai for your valuable comments. Makes it easier to make a decision!! Bert R

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