Is this normal

[gingerfurball]

Hi I'm booked in for my ablation on the 13th sept, I got a phone call yesterday from the hospital and they've told me my cardiologist wants me to have a transoesophageal echocardiogram before my op so I've been booked in for tomorrow, is this a normal thing ?, im just a bit confused as to why this wasn't mentioned before.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Hi, Yes, it is a very normal thing to check for any clots that may be lurking that may cause trouble. The TOE (UK) or TEE (US) is often done the day before or even at the beginning of the ablation. Not sure why they didn't mention it before, but don't panic. They also often fail to mention that going back into AF during the healing period 3-6 months after ablation is common too and it doesn't mean the ablation didn't work. Good luck to you! Wishing you peace and calm and success!

[gingerfurball in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thankyou for your reply SRMGRANDMA, it did worry me because the 2 people who I know who have had ablations said they didn't have it done, so glad it's normal though lol, thankyou

[Hidden]

Yes, this is quite normal although you will hear of those who don't hsve one.

I had one for all three of my ablations. The first one was done by my EP in The Cath lab immediately prior to my first ablation under sedation. The second one was done a few days beforehand and the third one was done whilst I was ' under ' as GA used.

Good luck with your ablation !

Sandra

[PeterWh]

Yes normal. I think that it depends on your history, the EP, the hospital and if on Warfarin your INR.

I had mine in the Cath Lab on the morning immediately before the ablation. Always thought afterwards it should have been done a few days in advance (my ablation was on a Monday) because if there had been one and they didn't proceed that would have been a lot of wasted cath lab time because mine was the second ablation (previous one only two hours) and mine was a 6.5 hours session.

[10gingercats]

Yes. I have had one of this before a heart 'procedure'.It enabled them (in my case) to see the back of the heart before the surgery.So it all sounds ok to me.I would feel reassured that they are being absolutely sure all is well before they proceed.

[Barb1]

I have had 5 all under GA immediately before ablation. One found a clot so very worthwhile

[Mrip]

Yes I had a TOE a week before my scheduled date which found a possible clot so ablation put off to have a further month of anticoagulation. Had my ablation just 2 weeks ago and did not have a repeat TOE as EP said no need as the clot most likely not a clot but best to be sure!!! The TOE was fine, slightly sore throat for a day or two but no dramas

[traveler65]

@gingerfurball YES this is normal and advisable. What it does is lets the ep see inside your heart--do you have any clots? how is every part of your heart functioning? do you have any coronary artery slight blockages or plaques? how is the pressure in each of the chambers? what's going on with each of the 4 valves. You are going to be under general aesthesia and will go directly from the transesophageal to the ablation. You are about to have your heart undergo a bit of great stress so the ep has to know how every aspect of your heart is doing before he starts. This is for your own safety. Don't worry. You will remember the ep talking to you, the next thing you will notice is waking up after it is all over and the nurses will be taking care of you. You will befine.