I am on a medical trial which involves a Hybrid ablation with six months between the minimaze and catheter ablation. I attended the hospital for my review today, six weeks after the second procedure.
The Cardiologist outlined what he and the EP had done and explained how closely the lesion set aligns with the Cox Maze IV. His experience of the Cox Maze in open heart surgery is of a 90% success rate after twenty years. The object of the trial was to prove that a similar rate can be achieved by non-invasive hybrid surgery.
He is confident that the procedures have been a success. I can stop the Rivaroxaban and Bisoprolol immediately. I can get slowly get back to proper exercise; I do not have to remain restricted to a HR of less than 130, but no high intensity work for a while. I do not need to keep off alcohol and coffee, just ensure I keep it in moderation. The ectopics I have been experiencing are most likely harmless; I will have to wear a holter monitor for the next 48 hours to check, but there is no cause for concern.
My next appointment is in six months, but this is just to have a TOE to check on the Atriclip on my Left Atrial Appendage; apart from that everything else is fine.
It is now very nearly two years since my symptoms appeared, but it finally appears to be sorted. I am very happy today.
Week 4 after ablation 
Breathless three weeks after ablation
Three weeks after ablation 2 
Second Ablation confirmed !
