Is there an option for two failed ablations . The doctor cannot do more and I have to take drugs . But drugs may not work. What then?

[deniseas]

I have had two ablation. The first one we thought would be 80 percent effective but the doctor found many areas to ablate. All were blocked. I developed afib and he went in to ablate and saw again it was not easy and this time he was not able to keep a mitral valve line unblocked nor some flutters. I am heart broken and worried about my option if the medication does not stop the afib bc I have no more options . I am only 63. What happens next?

[rosyG]

never say never.... what one surgeon thinks may be very different to another- also they are developing a new technique which is more invasive, but more successful- a version of the surgical technique- so there are changes in the pipeline. It used to e thought persistent AF couldn't be ablated- now it's routine, Let us know how you get on..

[deniseas in reply to rosyG]

Thanks so much for the bit of hope. Where are they doing the new technique what is it called?

[rosyG in reply to deniseas]

I don't know the name but Dr Jarman from the Brompton told us about it at our patient support group last Wednesday. Incisions are made externally thro the ribs- he said it is more successful but more risky- but it's just being developed and all things get better with practice

[deniseas in reply to rosyG]

Maybe it is the mini maze IV. Thanks os much.

[Barb1]

My EP said that every ablation is a building block towards success and part of a journey that sometimes takes a route that was not known at the beginning. All I can say is find an EP you trust and who listens to you and go with him or her on the journey.

[deniseas in reply to Barb1]

Thanks so much for the encouraging words. the are really appreciated.

[Hidden in reply to Barb1]

Hi Barb. You're answer sums up my understanding of ablations for me. I had a pacemaker and AV node ablation in Nov 2016 which so far is working well. I am off all cardiac drugs, which was one reason I wanted the ablation. Rate and rhythm control IS a journey and so far my journey is going well with one ablation for over a year. But our cardiac electrical systems can change over time necessitating another ablation or other treatment. I am happy my situation is going well but if further procedures are needed to maintain good management of my a-fib I will not hesitate to have them. And, as you say, treatments/procedures are getting better as time passes, and who knows what help will be available when and if we need further help. I just try to be happy with where I am today. I worked in the Operating Room for years starting in 1965 (will be 74 next month) and am continually amazed how far healthcare can advance in just a few years-never mind 50!. I recently had a procedure in January which is helping me get off anticoagulants specifically coumadin. Am VERY happy about getting this drug out of my system. A few years ago I wouldn't have imagined this could happen. Take care. irina1975

[jeanjeannie50]

Don't lose heart. I was told after two ablations that I wouldn't be suitable for any more. Then my EP and his Registrar developed a new piece of equipment that monitored where the rogue heart pulses were coming from, from the outside (I had to swallow it, yuk) and I was just the person to try it out on. I've been so much better since having that.

[deniseas in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you so much. Do you know what it was called?

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to deniseas]

It was something they'd designed themselves. I have a letter with it on somewhere. I'm in the UK , are you?

[deniseas in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I live in the United States

[EngMac]

Not many try but chiropractic, in my experience, does help so you still have this to try. Look at some of my posts for information.

[deniseas in reply to EngMac]

Thanks so much. I have a hip problem and it does affect my neck.

[01maxdog]

I am only 63 as well and didn't know I had A Fib till I had a stroke 5 years ago . I've had 1 ablation that lasted 2 years and about to have my 3rd cardio version to see if I can get back to NSR , if not ablation number 2. Drugs won't stop AFib but will control it , I'll be on them for the rest of my life . I'm lucky to be alive . I feel for you good luck on your journey

[deniseas]

Thanks so much. It was good to hear from you. Good to see you are OK.

[cuore]

I am interested in your comment"he was not able to keep a mitral valve line unblocked nor some flutters." I had a second ablation which was for peri-mitral atrial flutter in Bordeaux, France on November 20, 2017. The technique, which they had been using for just 4 months, was to inject alcohol (ethanol) in the Veins of Marshall. I am now a week from my three month blanking period. I have had some recurring episodes, but my heart always manages to get back to NRS which I am in right now. I accept that I am going to take longer for the procedure to be completely successful, but I am most optimistic. I am being weaned off amiodarone by not taking it on the weekends for February and for March, just Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so that hopefully, I will be completely off it in April. I don't know if any centres are using this technique in the States, but it is definitely worth investigation.

[deniseas in reply to cuore]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Was it a long procedure?

[cuore]

The procedure for peri-mitral atrial flutter was only one hour. There was no bruising at the groin or anything this time compared to my first ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation which must have been about 7 hours and which had bruising at the groin that remained for quite a while. Also this time I had lots of energy to wheel my suitcase from the hospital myself. February 20th will be three months and right now I am in normal sinus rhythm and feel absolutely great.

[deniseas]

Thanks, I will see if there are any people doing that in the US. Do people i France Speak English?