AV NODE ABLASION

I have ICD and take heart medicine Digitek but I can't tolerate a therapeutic level so doc is talking about an ablasion has anyone had this and how are you doing? All the internet info is scary and doesnt recommend it.
thanks
Beth

4 Comments

Ablation decision

by ElectricFrank - 2009-01-22 01:01:34

There is no doubt that an ablation is risky and not to be taken lightly. Just keep in mind that the procedure deliberately destroys heart tissue in an attempt to eliminate a problem area. This makes it irreversible if it doesn't work out. The only alternative in this case is more ablations and hope to hit the spot.

The other side of it is that it may be the best alternative if meds aren't workable and your symptoms are severe enough to make life miserable.

If you have to have an ablation I recommend having it done only by an Electrophysiologist with a good track record. This isn't something for the run of the mill cardiologist.

good luck,

frank

I agree

by janetinak - 2009-01-22 02:01:02

with E.Frank above. I have had two & my symptoms are gone (sob, etc.). Am 100% PM dependent but sure better than feeling lousy all the time. Get a good EP with a + track record.

Good luck,

Janet

AV Node Ablation

by clemsongirl - 2009-01-22 02:01:05

I just had mine done last month and it has worked wonders! I'm still in a-fib about 20% of the time, but I can't tell. No fast rates, no dizziness and no more toxic arrhythmia medication.

There are several av node ablation posts on here. You should be able to find them if you use the search function.

In my case the ablation was the last resort. I'd tried several medications (amiodarone and tikosyn were the latest), but when those quit working my choice was made for me. It was scary to be 100% dependent on the pacemaker, but you don't really think about it on a daily basis. Life goes on. Your battery will wear out sooner, but the quality of life in the meantime is worth it.

Good luck!
Cindy

ABLATION OF AV NODE

by pete - 2009-01-22 03:01:44

Yes I went for it even though my EP came to my bedside the night before to suggest that it maybe was not a good idea to have an AV node ablation. Fortunately I knew a lot about the subject and although I was not keen on being 100% pacemaker dependant I told my EP that I had made up my mind to have the AV node Ablation come what may ! I knew I needed it. The results were fantastic with an immediate improvement in my cardiac function and a steady further improvement over time.
Results can vary but generally the majority of people who go for it find that they are better off. Also of the ablation proceedures available it is to my mind a less risky proceedure and quite quick. The actual ablation ( intermittent firing of RF beam) only takes 10 minutes and the whole proceedure should take less than 30 minutes. Some far more risky ablations take up to 5 hours. Sometimes you are left with some residual natural pacing (not a problem) but I have none.It is even possible for the ablated pathways to regrow but this is extremely rare. Make sure you have an experienced EP. Good luck. Peter

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