Type of sedation given in ablation procedure, I'm nervous about what they will use.

[drumlady]

I am 77 yr. female, having ablation in December.....what are opinions on types of sedation you were given during procedure.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi drumlady and welcome to the forum. I've had 3 ablations, 2 by sedation and 1 with a general anaesthetic. Although during the ones with sedation I wasn't really aware of what was going on, I far preferred the one with GA. I guess the age aspect could be involved in the decision as to which one may be best for you.

Jean

[drumlady in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks to everyone for your helpful answers. Saw EP yesterday, would do GA. I am in persistent AFIB (but I don't notice symptoms), am 77 female (overweight). Questions to ask myself....is having Ablation going to extend my life? Answer is: Not necessarily, even with Ablation, can still have stroke/heart attack, plus other side effects. Another question: What kind of quality of life do I hope to have if I have an Ablation? Answer is: The SAME as I do now. I'm not interested in hiking, biking, golfing, running. I play cards with friends, go to movies, book club, see family...so automatically if I lose 30-50 lbs. my QUALITY of life would automatically improve. So I have several weeks to decide if I'm going to do Ablation (Dec. 28) or postpone until symptoms drive me crazy. I also need to do sleep apnea testing (per EP) and lose weight. I have no high BP or diabetes, no palpitations, chest pain, etc. I do Transcendental Meditation twice a day to help with stress and anxiety, learned in 1976.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to drumlady]

From what you've written, I think that you know in your heart that you are going to say no to the ablation. I felt that my first two ablations made my AF worse, so bear that in mind. Whatever you decide, we will support you here.

Jean

[pottypete1]

I’ve had both sedation and GA. For me GA was preferable.

Pete

[jedimasterlincoln]

Hi, I'm 36, I've only ever had sedation, never a GA (though I have had GA dozens of times in my youth and for knee operations up to 2011).

I was given midazolam (I can never spell that right) and fentanyl every time. Though they've been guarded at giving me too much of either when I've had 2nd 3rd n 4th ablations due to my passing out in the lab the first time, though I think that's because both myself and my vagus nerve weren't expecting it.

When I've had cardioversions, I've had the same sedation, except the last time a few months ago where I'd recently eaten so was given Ketamine instead of Fentanyl. As a result I suffered from emergence syndrome, feeling "locked in" and aware of everything happening around me but frozen solid with my head and vision spinning white and clockwise like I was in a massive Railway Station foyer trying to get somewhere but not being allowed to.

I thought I'd died in all honesty. I can't believe people take ketamine in the clubs for "fun" because it couldn't be further from fun as far as I'm concerned. Give me hotels on Mayfair and Park Lane in Monopoly - that's fun!

Granted, people also get a general anaesthetic, and my experience above probably isn't the norm. In the TWENTY FOUR times I've had sedation (for either ablation or cardioversion) I have never ever had a problem until the last time and hundreds of people never do. But human nature is always to think the worst is coming.

In the previous 23 times before last, I've welcomed the sedation because I know (at least in the case of cardioversions) that I will feel much better afterwards and its a release.

[grandmadogs]

Hi, I am 70 and had my first ablation under GA in September. I realise it is a very personal decision but I am glad my EP did it this way. He found there was more to do than expected and it took over 5 hours to sort out the extra work he needed to do to get me in NSR. I was happy that he felt able to take the extra time to get it right and so far it is working perfectly. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[dmac4646]

GA apparently gets better results for the simple reason you are completely still.

[UScore]

I got given diamorphine during my ablation. I was conscious throughout. The ablation wasn't completely pain free, but just a little uncomfortable at times. At first I was quite interested in what was going on, but I got more spaced out as time went by.

After the ablation finished I was as high as a kite for about 2-3 hours afterwards and it was amazing.

[Hidden]

Hello drumlady

At this stage, do you have the option to say you want a GA?