Royal Brompton Ablations

[ChrisAF]

I have persistent AF and am about to appoint an electrophysiologist to carry out a catheter ablation. I've been pointed by my cardiologist to the Royal Brompton. Can anyone one recommend individual consulatts as they have several. Many thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Without prejudice, Jonathan Clague did mine but Sabine Ernst is good if she will see you. I have met her several times and she is very nice although not been her patient.

Jonathan did all three of mine and I have been AF free now since 2008.

Bob

[ChrisAF in reply to BobD]

Thanks. I am seeng Sabine tomorrow.

[fallingtopieces in reply to ChrisAF]

Lucky You!

[nigelfarruca]

Tom Wong did my one ablation for flutter in 2009. 100% cure, it never returned.

[fallingtopieces]

Just on the mention of Sabine Ernst, I believe she's supposed to be very good.

I've seen her mentioned on American AF websites and people travel to have their ablations carried out by her.

Of course that could apply to other EPs too.

Pat.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to fallingtopieces]

Sabine was assistant to the German doctor who did the first RF ablation in '94. She has been working on new methods and treatments recently.

B

[rosyG]

I was impressed by Sabine's figures (v low) on complications when I quizzed her. She doesn't have many clinics now but I've seen a good registrar and excellent nurses in clinic. I haven't had an ablation yet but felt confident in her when I went with a long list of questions!!

[lankylass in reply to rosyG]

Hi Rosy, I have permanent AF, just been given the next date for my Cardioversion, 20th August. I wondered about ablation, my cardiologist, Mrs Kale at North Manchester wanted to do it in place of the CV, I hesitated and thought that I would give CV another go, the last one lasted 7 months. Please let me know how you ablation goes? I have just replied to a young lady on this site who has had a bad experience of ablation, her heart is fine but lots of other side effects!! I must admit to being more than a bit scared of the procedure. Cheers,

[Hidden in reply to lankylass]

This brings up a good question: are there situations where buying time is the best choice vs. ablation? Complex matrix of factors to consider. It really helped when my MD sat right next to me, gave me eye contact, summarized the situation, and expressed confidence that he could perform the necessary ablation.

[rosyG in reply to lankylass]

I'm not planning to have an ablation at present - hoping to delay things by eating healthily (potassium rich foods have been helping)

Cardioversion seems to work for you if it lasted 7 months- I think ablation is best when you are very symptomatic ( my personal view) so it depends how bad you feel when in AF as to whether the risks of ablation are worthwhile

Hope you stay well