cardiac catheterisation

[Musetta]

Hi Everyone,

I'm booked in for a cardiac catheterisation - has this procedure caused any problems with afibbers? Slightly nervous about this on-coming event! What experiences has anyone else had with this?

Cheers,

Musetta

[CDreamer]

If you mean a catheter ablation procedure for AF then There are lots of people who have had this procedure with overwhelming excellent results. Firstly it is MUCH easier than you could possibly imagine. Secondly although they will tell you about all the risks, these are very rare. Thirdly there are things they won't tell you and there is lots of advice and reports almost on a daily basis, of people who have had catheter ablations, I have had 2 and wouldn't hesitate to have another should I be unlucky enough for AF to return.

If you mean another type of procedure - I couldn't comment too much, although ablation uses catheter fed through a vein in the groin into the atria of the heart so will be very similar.

Take in a drinking bottle of water with you, something to listen to on phone or iPod, something to occupy you whilst you wait (worst time). Expect to have to lie flat for a very long time and not to be able to move for the first 6-8 hours after procedure. After effects from the TOE can include gastric problems such as acid reflux for a few weeks afterwards - do not eat carbs and avoid the PPIs if you can. Do nothing for the week after (you cannot drive for 7 days) and very little for the week after that and then take it very easy as it will take about 12 weeks for your heart to heal - called the blanking period - during which time you may get the odd missed beat or a little arrythmia. This should settle. My heartbeat was raised from normal resting for about 6 weeks after both ablations.

May I suggest you search catheter ablation I. The search boxes on the posts page and read a few of the threads. Very best wishes for a successful outcome.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to CDreamer]

Not a lot I can add to that good advice other than trump your two with three ablations. And yes easy peasy and have another in a flash if ever needed and they were prepared to try.

There is a very good booklet available from AF Association website which explains catheter ablation in all its various forms.

Bob

[Whatamug1]

Good morning Musetta - Yes I had an angiogram nearly 4 months ago. Ended up a few days later back in on heparin (sometimes but doesn't usually happen). Had a cancelled procedure while in 2 weeks ago as the first angio showed a 60% narrowing and they wanted to use a flow wire prior to PCI (stenting) - was in hospital but due to lack of beds ( a few emergencies into cardio that day) it was cancelled. Next appointment for procedure 03.12.15. There are risks - it's your heart. You should have received a Print Out - the one I'm looking at is called a CAO2 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention so that you can assess them. You shouldn't be going into this blind.

I have heard from others on this site, of the success of their follow up stents.

There's different reasons for these blockages. High BP - Cholestrol - smoking or in my case calcium. It can be life style or hereditary.

So thats a quick run down. It's a brill procedure and can tell them a lot. Of the seven who went for it while I was there last, 4 came back 'clear'. So they'll need to look elsewhere to for their problems.

That's my experience - must say it's still playing on my mind as the meds (calcium Chanel blockers) have had me back to where I can cope again & I know that stents can't be removed & the risks.

If nothing else - you're in Cardio should things not go as planned lol All the best

[spatchcock]

I've had it twice. No problems, almost completely painless - apart from the needle. You might feel a bit woozy afterwards but, if it's anything like my experiences, you'll get tea and biscuits and left to get up when you feel ready.

Absolutely nothing to worry about!

[Basia12]

Hi are you talking about an angiogram? If so I've had an angioplasty and 2 angiograms and pressure wire studies ( where they measure blood flow and blood pressure) I think the plasty aggravated my AF for a couple of days post procedure I have paroxysmal Af and felt I had more episodes of it but they settled quickly .After the 2 angiograms no AF , my heart was steady as a rock! During all the procedures my heart did not go into AF and remained steady also hope this helps . The angios themselves were not too unpleasant .

[Musetta in reply to Basia12]

Thanks for reassurance Basia.

Musetta

[Kodaska]

Two ablations - one for flutter and a later one (last May) for fibrillation - both successful. BUT ... I was prescribed flecainide to prevent breakthrough arrhythmias after the second one, and it left me with an autoimmune disorder that has ruined my life with daily bouts of dizziness, fatigue, and a few other delicacies. Do not take flecainide after an ablation, simple as that. You don't need to prevent the breakthroughs; rather, you want to know if they happen. They will not damage your heart, and they will go away as the heart heals.

Best of luck.

[Mrspat]

If you mean an angiogram, I've had three. Two were complete disasters. It turns out that I have narrow blood vessels and am really unsuitable for the procedure, especially on the left hand side. The first one resulted in them having to enter via my arm (inside of elbow) after the groin route failed. I am told they no longer do this. I was crying with pain, had extensive bruising and limped for a few weeks.

On the second occasion, many years later, the cardiologist completely ignored my history. He refused sedation and again had problems on the left hand side. I developed a huge haematoma, blood pressure went through the floor and I went into clinical shock. Ended up staying in hospital overnight.

On the third occasion, I was prepped for open heart surgery so partly sedated. The surgeon refused to do the operation without the angiogram so I had to endure it.

I am aware that I am in a minority on this one. Horrendous. If an ablation is ever suggested for me, the procedure through the groin and/or under local anaesthetic would be a major obstacle to my consent.

[Batbara]

I have the same question musetta. I am going for a catheterisation also. I too have afib. The answers you received were from people that had ablation, angiograms , and angioplasty. I would hope some that going for a catheterisation could answer this question. if not, I might repost the question. Good luck !

[Whatamug1]

Cardiac Catheterisation is clearly explained on the NHS website ... I can see why confusions set in with: ablations/angiograms/arthroscopic surgery etc being mentioned. It is the gold star method of getting results which can then be addressed. The site does clear any confusion.

[heather110]

Cardiac Catheterisation = Angiogram (nothing to do with ablations)

H

[Musetta in reply to heather110]

Well said Heather.

Musetta