AV node ablation

I have permanent AF, but my EP has said that AV Node ablation would not stop the AF and restore normal sinus rythym. I was unable to get either him nor my cardiologist to give a reason for this. Are they correct or am I being too easily dismissed?

[CDreamer]

Permanent = there is no indication that the AF will respond to any intervention - so I am assuming they have tried conversion therapies - drug and CV and they didn’t work?

Persistent = you are in AF all of the time but AF does respond - even if for only a short period of time - in which case the possibility of it being converted is less than for PAF - Paroxysmal - but maybe possible. Absolutely no certainty.

Paroxysmal = AF comes and goes but can often be helped or prevented by interventions. Again no certainties.

I leave you to assess which is most appropriate terminology for your circumstances.

And I absolutely hate it when we aren’t given clear, understandable explanations for things!

[CDreamer]

And I didn’t read your question correctly - they are absolutely correct. AV node ablation is a very different procedure to the ablation procedure you read on her commonly about. It will also make you completely pacemaker dependent but it may considerably reduce the symptoms suffer.

[BobD Volunteer]

The point is that they are right. To explain, the AV node ablation stops the chaotic atrial signals from getting down to the ventricle which is then controlled by the pacemaker. Your heart beat would then be set by the pacemaker leaving the atrium to play silly games as long as it wants. You should have less fatigue and more energy (depending on pm settings ) but may still be able to feel the AF. And of course it is not reversible so you are p m dependent although you would not die if it failed, just have a VERY low heart rate.