A second transophical echocardiogram before second ablation.

[Earledavis]

I have been waiting six months for a second ablation. Had appointment with my general cardiologist last week and just as I was about to leave he decided that before I had my second ablation his wanted to do another transophical echocardiogram had one four years ago before heart surgery). Any idea why he would want to do this?

[BobD Volunteer]

They do it to check for any possible clots that might be hiding in there.

Bob

[Costa-Del-Solway]

Yes it is to see if there is any clots, it is in your interest to have it done. I had my second ablation on 3 Feb and had the joy of a TOE before they did the ablation. They told me the ablation was a technical success and after shocking the heart I was back in NSR. But, same as the first ablation after 6 days I went back into AF, just had 3 days in hospital, 100% AF and feeling shit.

Hope it works for you.

Tom

[COB_54]

Hi, I agree. I've had TOEs each time I've been 'in' (2 x Cardioversion and 1 x Ablation) and its precautionary. They had to abort my most recent ablation (Monday week ago) as I kept rejecting the TOE. Anesthetic next time!

[farmerwalt]

Hi, the main reason they do the TOE is because it gets the transducer much nearer the heart than the normal Echo does and hence gives a much clearer and more detailed picture of whats going on. And, as Bob says, will show up any clots lurking in the background. I've had a couple over the years and opted for the sedation both times.(I had been pre-warned by one of my sisters that had an upper GI Endoscopy without sedation - similar experience of something foreign getting put down your throat)

Hope your next ablation is successful.

Walter.

[dedeottie in reply to farmerwalt]

Hi. Do you mind me asking what it was like with sedation? Also if they do see a clot what happens then do they attempt to dissolve it. Just wondered as it would be good to think that something could be done about it!

[farmerwalt in reply to dedeottie]

Hi dedeottie,

With sedation, just an injection into the back of the hand and then you just "fade away" and aren't aware of any more until you come too again. My wife was with me the first time I had a TOE. She said I responded to everything they were asking me to do but I wasn't aware of it.

In theory, if you've been anticoagulated there shouldn't be any clots. Don't quite know what they would do if there was. If there were any clots within the atrium when they went in to do an ablation there would be a risk of dislodging them, so perhaps they don't proceed if they see any

Walter.

[dedeottie in reply to farmerwalt]

thanks for that farmer walt. As yet I am being controlled with drugs but if they stop working my E.P. said he would do a T.O.E. followed by an ablation if no clots. I was more worried by T.O.E. yhan the ablation because of the swallowing thing so you have put my mind at rest. x

[Hidden]

Maybe to guide ablation catheters or his procedure. ?

[Earledavis]

Thanks to all who replied to my question about TOE pre second ablation. It is reassuring have such positive response from those who have had the experience.

[moggdog in reply to Earledavis]

hi mate . ive had 2 ablations .and they always do the toe first . and they sedate you anyway .so dont worry about it .that bits easy