Rogue cells causing fibrillation

[Rf100sly]

I just learned today that, in my case at least, my sinoatrial node, the area that normally generates electrical signals for the heart, is working fine. But there are other, "rogue" areas of the heart that are generating extra signals that are making the atrium go much too fast: fibrillation. That's why the ablation is really the right procedure, to stop the action of these rogue cells. Does that analysis seem to make sense?

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Rf100

Not an expert on this, but to me you have just described AF for all of us.

It may be that you are a prime candidate for ablation, and it may also be that this is the right treament for you, but to my unqualified ears it just sounds like AF.

There are then all sorts of other questions like how long have you been in AF, how bad are the symptoms, are there any other underlying challenges, is there any build up of fibrosis etc etc which would influence the ablation decision.

Be well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes this is the case with all AF. Most of the cells will be around the pulmonary veins where they join the atrium hence the term pulmonary vein isolation procedure or PVI often used for ablation. This is not always satisfactory as other areas within the atrium can fire off needing additional ablations. Cryo ablation is widely accepted as being quicker and can be effective if there are only PVs firing but RF may be needed to deal with other areas, Do read the booklet on AF Association website about ablation.