Cryoablation

[KAW1]

I will have a cryoablation for AF (not permanent) in a few months. My local hospital has just signed me up for a cardioversion. My concern is that if the cardioversion is successful then they cannot (rather than will not) carry out the ablation. I do not understand if they have to be able to see the AF to be able to treat it, during the cryoablation proceedure. I want to have the ablation after waiting so long, as a cardioversion is unlikely to be permanent. I am still only 50 but I have had AF for 30 years and have been taking Amiodarone, as a last resort, for the last 2 years after a heart attack and stroke. The Amiodarone is very effective but I have problems with my thyroid, eyes, skin etc and so have to give it up.

I need to know if its OK to have both procedures or if I should wait for the ablation date.

[BobD Volunteer]

No sorry you have it completely wrong. You do not need to be in AF during ablation. The clever docs have strategies to trigger it with drugs if they want to see where it is coming from. Cardioversion (DCCV) actually helps them to know if you can be reverted to NSR. If they can't revert you there is less chance of an ablation working.

One hopes that you are now properly anticoagulated.

Bob

[KAW1 in reply to BobD]

Thanks for the precise answer. Decision easy now

[Kodaska]

Ditto what BobD said. I had paroxysmal AF and had a cryoablation this past May. The EP doc knew exactly where to place the little cryo loops because he knew where the signals came from (around the pulmonary veins). So it didn't matter if I fibrillated during the procedure or not, though I suspect it would be easier with a slow, steady heartbeat.

If you have any doubts, you might want to contact your EP just to verify.

[Kbuck1234 in reply to Kodaska]

Hi Kodaska - who did your procedure?

[Kodaska in reply to Kbuck1234]

Dr Taral Patel. He's with DeanCare and practices at St Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin (USA).