Ablation and cardioversion in the same op

I have persistent AF. After three cardioversions in 18 months, I was recommended for a catheter ablation. The procedure took five hours and was only partially successful. I see from the notes the hospital gave me afterwards that NSR was only established after a DCCV cardioversion (hence the five hours, I suppose). Has anyone else had a similar experience? I was told that the ablation had been successful. But since it needed a cardioversion to complete it, was it really a success?

[Hidden]

Others with more experience will comment I'm sure, but what you have described is not unusual so try not to worry........

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Not unusual at all to finish off with a cardioversion! I actually needed two of them in the days following my 9 hour ablation a couple years ago, and I've been in NSR ever since. Remember, your heart has been traumatized and needs lots of time to heal gently. Protect your heart by not overdoing it and remember than any day without AF is a success!

[azriverrat]

Cardioversion if done correctly take almost no time. The long ablation was probably mostly mapping.

I have had one last much longer.

[pottypete1]

During all of my numerous ablations which have all taken between 4 & 61/2 hours, I have been given cardioversions, sometimes 3 or 4 times.

You may remember that they stick large oval cardioversion electrodes on your front and back prior to commencement of the procedure to facilitate this procedure.

It is routine and they will always try and revert your heart to NSR.

The heart will flip into AF during the procedure stimulated by the catheters that deliver the radio frequency. I can remember on my first ablation, which was supposed to be for Atrial Flutter, my heart went into AF before the catheter had even entered the right atrium.

About 3 years ago, during one of my ablation procedures, the sedation was not as effective as I would have liked and I was in fact wide awake when they performed a cardioversion.

I was a bit shocking!!!!

Since then I have had GA for each procedure as sedation, whilst very effective for most, did not give me the effect that it had in the past.

Pete

[Hidden in reply to pottypete1]

Hi Pete

Thanks for the reassurance. I was under sedation rather than a GA so I wondered why I had not been aware of the cardioversion. Perhaps it was very deep sedation!

David

[pottypete1 in reply to Hidden]

Sedation works for most. I was unlucky but that is my middle name!

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes, having a cardioversion during and right after an ablation is normal. I only know I had these from reading the hospital notes at the bottom of my bed when back in the ward after my ablations.

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for the reassurance. I really appreciate it.

[jennydog]

After my ablation the EP told me that I had to be cv'd during the procedure because I went into AF. I said "Was that helpful?" I was hoping that it would have pinpointed the faulty area but he replied " No, not really."

[Hidden]

Thank you all very much. You don't know how relieved I am to know that what happened to me was nothing out of the ordinary. It has taken a huge weight off my mind. Thanks again.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

DO also remember that it take at least three to six months for the scar tissue to form so you may well get a few funny turns in that time. It is far too early to say it is only partially successful .

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Thanks for that. I was a bit worried about the need for a DCCV, but I obviously need to be a bit more patient.