Persistent AF following 2 x Cardioversions = Hybrid Ablation, stage 1.

[Lastec1]

I have had 2 Cardioversions which each lasted approx 12 months but then went into persistent AF in March 2014. As my ability to carry on with my sporting lifestyle (I'm now 66 ) worsened I asked to be referred to my Consultant with a view to the new Hybrid Ablation procedure. I didn't meet the criteria for the normal catheter ablation because the diameter of my left atrium was > 5. It was decided that I could have the new procedure which is carried out in 2 stages separated by 6 - 8 weeks.

I was admitted for surgery on 9 December 2014 and was the 1st of 3 to have part 1 of this procedure. Immediately after surgery I was back in SR, getting used to the points of entry & exit on my right side. The operating team explained to me that all had gone according to plan and that I would be called back in for the 2nd stage in the New Year.

48 hours later the team started to free me of tubes & cables etc, the only slightly painful extraction was that of the Chest Drain tube. Another 24 hours and I was able to go home.

After being home for a couple of days I could feel that I was back in AF but this is quite normal until the scar tissue has been formed. On Friday 19 December I was feeling a little light headed so when I went to the surgery to have my INR checked, the nurse referred me immediately to my GP, who in turn, fearing there might be a reaction to the surgery & the possibility of fluid around the heart, got me admitted to the Emergency Medical Assesment Unit at my hospital.

Because this procedure is new there was no one immediately to hand to investigate the causes of my symptoms. Finally, having had bloods taken, ECG etc I was seen by by the duty Consultant who explained to me that he couldn't give me a definitive diagnosis but luckily for me the Cardiologist researching the Hybrid Ablation procedure was coming on duty and would see me. Finally I was seen and it was explained to me that my being in AA still, was not uncommon in the previous 17 procedures carried out successfully prior to mine. It was further explained the the heart tissue was still healing and wouldn't be complete until the 2nd stage was performed. I would be cardioverted prior to the start of the 2nd stage.

I was discharged some 6 hours later feeling much happier about what was happening to me and now patiently awaiting stage 2 . I was told to take it relatively easy, which is very difficult for me as I'm used to a very active lifestyle ( biking, swimming coaching rugby etc). I am still quite sore around the ribs on my right side but my puncture wounds are healing nicely. I am having my INR checked twice weekly to get my levels up to 2.5 - 3.0. I am still finding that walking on inclines still presents a problem with energy levels but only to be expected. So in conclusion, I'm looking forward to having my AF terminated soon ?????

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Lastec

Interesting, I didn't know anyone was doing hybrid ablations in the UK, for those who don't know it's a combination of catheter ablation and surgical ablation, so effectively working inside (catheter) and outside (surgical) of the heart at the same time.

Good luck with the recovery and do let us know how you get on, is the second stage catheter only? or do they repeat the surgical part? as someone potentially waiting for a surgical ablation, I am of course very interested

That wound seems to be clearing up nicely after only a few weeks/

Be well

Ian

[Lastec1 in reply to Beancounter]

Yes the 2nd stage is Catheter only, this is to ensure that the outer scarring penetrates to the inner wall and any gaps will be scarred from the inside.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Beancounter]

Yes an interesting procedure for sure. There will be a new AF-A book about ablation which includes this new method which should come out in spring if all goes well.

Take it easy now and as the old Sergeant in Hill Street Blues used to say. "let's be careful out there."

[Mrspat]

Just checking - does this avoid having the procedure via the groin? I have a history of severe problems with angiograms administered through the groin which would make me reluctant to consider standard ablation procedures.

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to Mrspat]

Hi MrSpat

No it's as well as, catheter ablations are (nearly) always through the groin.

Be well

Ian

[Lastec1 in reply to Mrspat]

In Plymouth, a lead in this procedure , my Angiogram , Stent x 1, Hybrid stage 2, all via the wrist not the groin.

[Mrspat]

Oh Ian, you've changed my sex again! Are you getting demob happy? Remind me to frighten everybody with my angiogram stories sometime!

[Rellim296]

Some glorious technicolour there - Lastec1, but it looks very neat. Good luck for Stage 2.