where can I find the latest research information on AF and ablation techniques

[beano2013]

Beano 2013

[ebt1f]

europace.oxfordjournals.org...

I was told by an EP specialist that these are the latest guidelines.

[chrisharmer Volunteer]

Hi Beano,

There is lots of information on the web, but to keep up with techniques you might look at Cardiac Rhythm News, cxvascular.com/cardiacrhyth...

BUT I am wondering why you are asking. There was a similar question from a patient at the Heart Rhythm Conference recently, and the advice was, if you have AF, and if the proposed treatment is an ablation, then it is better to have the ablation as soon as possible rather than put it off to wait for more effective treatments. If you have AF, there is a steady progression towards it becoming permanent so early intervention is always best. There will always be the hope that a more effective treatment is just around the corner.

Good luck, take care, and we're always here for support. Regards, Chris

[beano2013 in reply to chrisharmer]

thanks for the email link. They reason I am interested is that I have had 2 ablations, the second was successful. However, after 2 years I am experiencing a very short bursts of AF. They are at present not proving problematic and as I am on warfarin do not believe I need to seek help at this stage. In the event that I do need another ablation I would like to be kept informed of what the latest techniques are and how successful they are. I am also interested in any research data on those who have had a successful ablation i.e. how long they have been free of AF symptoms etc., Meanwhile, I am extremely grateful to the team who conducted the procedure on me and giving me back my life. Thanks again for your reply. Regards Enid H.

[rosyG in reply to chrisharmer]

Chris, did they say that you HAVE to have tried anti arrthymic dugs before an ablation is offered- I have read a lot prior to an EP appt in december and it seems a grey area. I have PAF ( started in august) and as have slow resting pulse ( but tachycardia at times ) I have not been able to have rate reducing drugs as pulse became too low. Be grateful if you know any more on this. I realise I might need pacemaker but wonder how this fits in with possible ablation/

[Offcut]

As Always great advice and information.

[chrisharmer Volunteer]

Hi rosyG,

I think whether you are offered drugs initially is still a grey area. For some time the guidelines have certainly said drugs first, but the leading specialist centres increasingly offer you ablation as the first line of treatment - I was offered that at the John Radcliffe, for example. But for immediate relief they may give you antiarrythmics or rate reducing drugs which you will have to stop a few days before your ablation. So my advice would be if you really want an ablation, ask for it.

[rosyG in reply to chrisharmer]

many thanks Chris- I am inclined towards ablation, given it may work better if done early. I am unsure as think I may need a pacemaker ( slow resting heart rate and other signs of sinus node difficulty ) and the EP I have been referred to at the Brompton uses the magnetic system which obviously couldn't be used after a pacemaker has been given. It's heard to be patient until I get a full opinion in december as like to be able to weigh up likely options!! I found one cardiac article on line which suggested sinus node problems may cause AF so maybe they will offer pace maker first but then magnetic difficulty arises!!