cryobablation

[heathp1]

just wondering who has had cryoablation ? it was offered to me as an option after an episode of AF resulted in me needing cardioversion - i thought would give medications a chance to work . Today (18 months after first cardioversion) i needed cardioversion again due to AF and atrial flutter .

[Mazza23]

I had cryoblation sept 28th took 6hrs I have had a few bouts of af but none since March still on all meds atm

[Deeferdi]

I had cryoablation on 8th May, (12 weeks ago today!) lasted 2 hours and haven't had any AFib since! I'm still tired and still on meds but other than that it's been good and hopefully will be off meds when I have my follow up which should be in the next few weeks. I didn't feel sedated during the procedure but it's over and done with now. I asked specifically for cryoablation when I saw my EP and was lucky that Sheffield offers it. I'd say go for it!

Good luck

Di

[Debmcknight]

I had cryoablation a week and half ago and am already feeling better

[BobD Volunteer]

I think it important to know that cryo ablation is really only suitable for those with very simple AF where isolation of the four pulmonary veins will be enough treatment. Also the structure of the heart is important as some people have conjoined veins which makes use of the cryo balloon unsuitable, In such cases RF ablation would be needed and also if areas of the atrium other than the PVs are firing off.

There is a very good booklet on all types and aspects of ablation on AF Association website.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

Do they know which is the most suitable before they begin a procedure? Different EP's/cardiologists have offered me RF ablation, AV node ablation and cryoablation in the past two years. I refused the first two and said that I would consider the third.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to seasider18]

Not as far as I know but more and more EPs are using Cryo as a first attempt as it is far quicker and easier and they can do more in a day. Prof Schilling using the de vinci robot says about and hour and a half.

If they then find that there are other areas at fault or the physiology is difficult then it would be aborted and a later RF ablation considered.

Not sure why you would not consider RF. It is the same basis procedure just a different way of creating the burns. OK cryo takes less time but is that important when your health is concerned.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

I turned down the RF at the time as I was offered it as they had a late cancellation and I was not taking Warfarin at the time. They said it didn't matter. The AV node ablation was cancelled as I was waiting for an MRI scan and they did not want to leave me pacemaker dependent for it and I was still not taking Warfarin that again they said did not matter.

Now even after having had the Amplatzer fitted they want me on Apixaban for a month before and after the cryoablation. Why the change of reasoning? Reading of long recovery times here and the need for 'seconds' is not very encouraging.

Cardiologist who fitted the Amplatzer probably had good views of my heart from the TOE and latter echocardiogram . Questions, do I really want it, really need it. Another is dubious of success rates from it.

[val757]

Had cryoablation 6 months ago under general anaesthetic. No AF episodes since then although I do occasionally get some ectopic beats. I'm off beta blockers completely now after my follow up, only on anticoagulant due to age and being female! Got energy back and starting GP referral exercise programme today to get fitter. Im getting my life back!

[seasider18 in reply to val757]

Were you in permanent AF ?

[val757 in reply to seasider18]

No, paroxysmal AF. I had infrequent but severe episodes that twice resulted in me being taken by ambulance to A&E virtually collapsed with heart rate of 200+. I wanted the ablation to get off the meds, particularly beta blockers, that made me feel almost as bad as the AF.

[seasider18]

My records now say Bisoprolol intolerant. I'm now in permanent AF but have not reached your heights.

[Stinky1953]

I had a cryo ablation in 2011 and was AF free for 5 years with no medication.

Tim.

[heathp1]

Thanks for the replies x