How many ablations ?

[louielouie1]

Hello , someone very close to ne has had 2 ablations , after 2 months they are experiencing further episodes .. I was wondering if this is common and if the third is likely to be more successful .. Any advice welcome

[rosyG]

I haven't had an ablation yet but I think the number needed is very individual and depends on a) the way the EP works

b) whether the heart heals and leaves some gaps which need filling with scar tissue again and c) the amount of areas in the heart that are passing on the electrical activity- theses areas increase with AF, with age, and any underlying heart issues.

[louielouie1]

Ok , thanks. Hopefully next time ..

[BobD Volunteer]

It is far too early to say it hasn't worked. It takes at least three months for the scar tissue to form and a lot can happen in that time with breakthrough events and other arrhythmias. Unfortunately not al doctors explain this very well.

That said my second worked very well for at least 8 months before I started getting some events coming back so I had a third six years ago since when I have been fine. I still get other arrhythmias, clusters of ectopics and odd runs of tachycardia but they are manageable and at least one does not get the dreadful AF symptoms. I have heard of people having four or more so it all depends.

Most important thing is as I said very early in the recovery period just now.

Bob

[louielouie1]

Thank you very much Bob , it is nice to talk to other people who understand. We have not really had much support around what to expect and what will happen . This helped !

[Dodie117]

I had my first 6 months ago and I had episodes into the 4th month. It has now settled down so I would say give it six months to heal before assuming it has not worked. How many?? I would have it as many times as my ep recommended if the result was likely to stop AF. Good luck to you and your friend.

[Fussyface]

Hi, I experienced palpitations within weeks of discontinuing Amiodarone 2 weeks post my 1st ablation which was mid December 13 ,contacted my EP and had a redo mid April 14, unfortunately I'm back on Amiodarone for the next 2 weeks then we will see what's next, unfortunately mine does not appear to be pulmonary vein driven so not sure what tricks the EP has up his sleeve

[Hidden]

After my second ablation I was still suffering bouts of AF, turning into permanent AF after a few months. After the 3rd ablation the effect was immediate - no more AF episodes. This has lasted until the present day, and at my check up with my EP the pacemaker reading showed no AF at all! I feel fantastic, not having to endure the horrible symptoms of AF. All thanks to the brilliant EP and staff at Eastbourne DGH, Cardiac Care Unit. Hope this helps.

[iris1205 in reply to Hidden]

Oh, is success good to hear! Long live your NSR!

[louielouie1]

Everyone has been very helpful, thanks x

[iris1205]

By the way, I will be heading into a third one most likely in the fall, so yes, the percentages of success increase! So kind of you to be checking in for your friend - they are fortunate.$