Apixaban

[waterlady]

Been on apixaban 1 year now, ok so far. Can anyone tell me about ablation, what criteria do you need to have it, I was originally offered warfrain, did not get on with it. Then went on apixaban. Does age come into it. I was never offered anything else. I expect it is more complicated. Should I ask my doctor.

[rosyG]

Not quite sure what your question is- are you asking about ablation?

[waterlady in reply to rosyG]

Hi rosyg, yes I am. I don't know anything about ablation, but lots of people on the forum talk about it, being new to AF, I was only offered tablets. Can you help.

[Jenbo6 in reply to waterlady]

I am on Apixanban and love the freedom it gives me but my EP has told me that if I decide to have an ablation ( offered but my choice if want to stay on meds) then I would have to change to Warfarin and be stable for at least three weeks as at Glenfield, Leicester they do not ablate on Apixaban, presumably as there is no antidote yet.

[CDreamer in reply to Jenbo6]

I think it depends upon the EP. I went specifically on Dabigatron so that I could have ablation within 2 weeks and that has no antidote. I just stopped taking it 24 hours before the procedure. Dabigatron has only a 12 hour half life, I think Apixaban is 24?

[CDreamer in reply to waterlady]

Apiaxaban is an anti coagulant, not a treatment for AF.

May I suggest you visit (possibly join) the AFA Atrial Fibrillation Association website where you will find a heap of info, including various treatments such as ablations. Also visit and download the care pack at careaf.org

Ablations are when a catheter is inserted into vein, usually at the groin, fed through the system, guided by GPS, into the atria of the heart. At the end of the catheter is a RF (radio frequency) tip which is heated and burns are applied to the areas of the atria which cause the rogue electrical pulses which cause the Arrythmia, usually but not always around the pulmonary veins. The scars that eventually form then prevent the rogue impulses and voila, no more AF. Well that's the theory.

In reality it sometimes takes more than one go to work. As to criteria, you need to ask your Doctor. It is a very specialised procedure and there are not many EPs(Electrophysiologists) around so being referred to one is your first step, a normal cardiologist is not good enough, they deal with the plumbing, not the electrical circuits.

I am 63 was diagnosed with AF at 57, after being medicated with beta blockers and anti arrythmic drugs I was eventually offered an ablation when I saw an EP privately in Nov 2013. It made things a lot worse and I needed a second which I had in Mar 2014 from which time I can happily say I have been completely free of AF or any other arrythmia and am not taking any medication, although I will go back on anti coagulation drugs in 2 years as my risk factor for stroke will then increase.

That is what your Apixaban is protecting you against, stroke. If you have AF you are at a much higher risk of stroke than someone with no AF.

Please inform yourself about all these things as it is your body and only you can ultimately say what is right for you,

Welcome to the forum and please ask away any questions that are of concern, best wishes CD.

[rosyG]

I think CD has covered everything- some patients are not offered ablation if they have persistent ( all the time) AF, although this is changing now, and the other point is that the offer of ablation may depend on symptoms. Many EPs and cardiologists think the risks involved with ablation are not worth it if the AF is asymptomatic and the patient is not suffering in any way. As CD has said, it's a very individual illness and decision. Do look up ablation on the internet too as there are lots of videos by EPs and they give the risks and benefits quite clearly.

[BobD Volunteer]

I not nobody has actually explained what ablation is! Please,look at AF-A main website and rad the fact sheets and then if you still have questions ask here again. Sorry been away for weekend so trying to catch up.

Bob