Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

[cuore]

For those who have had ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation, how long were you able to remain in sinus, especially after a second or third ablation? I have had two ablations and I still cannot remain in sinus rhythm.

[Hidden]

1 ablation, NSR for 21 months and counting

[Luludean]

Hi cuore,I had 2 lengthy ablations in St Mary's Paddington. Both failed. Good luck with your next one, you are brave.

[Hidden]

PVI and RF ablation for PAF 2013. Major reduction in AF burden. 2017 persistent atypical atrial flutter. 3D mapping showed only a focus at coronary sinus. Ablated. Relapsed at 2 months, now permanent AF/AFL. Nebivolol for rate control.

[BobD Volunteer]

Third ablation lasted ten+years but now experiencing Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia adn waiting for ablation 4.

[cuore in reply to BobD]

I admire how you have been 10+ years after your third ablation. Were you in persistent AF before your third ablation because that is the stage I am in now? Plus, I was in persistent for both my first and second ablation with the second lasting only 5 months. I am quite discouraged that I am not going to get much longevity even after a third. So, it is encouraging to hear success stories

[BobD Volunteer in reply to cuore]

It was still paroxsymal but I suspect only because I was also taking just about the maximum amount of rhythm control drugs as well. Being off those for ten years was wonderful.

[Coco51]

Hi cuore. After my second ablation for persistent AF I had frequent episodes of AF for the first 4 months. After that 10 months NSR. Halved my doses of Flecainide and Bisoprolol and started to have episodes every afternoon😣. So increased the Flecainide again (100 x2 per day) and have been in NSR again for 3 more months except for 1 mild episode lasting 3 hrs. I'm really grateful for the respite and every day in NSR is a joy. I have been told I might eventually need a 3rd ablation or a pacemaker... but not yet.

[cuore in reply to Coco51]

I have had the anterior wall ablated but there was no mention of the box. At this stage in the Canadian system, I have been given three choices -- a pacemaker, an ablation or increase of anti-arrhythmic drugs ( I guess that's an attempt at chemical cardioversion). So, I am trying the chemical carddioversion first, but I do not have high hopes as the recent electrical cardioversion lasted only 5 days. I am astounded that whether it is in England or Canada, the EP's are quick to talk pacemaker.

[Coco51 in reply to cuore]

Yes I was a bit taken aback by mention of a pacemaker. But I do have a very slow heart rate. Resting In the 40s by day and in the 30s at night. I also get a certain number of pauses. But it's been like that all my life and I feel ok (except when in AF) so the pacemaker is not planned yet. It is bit of a last resort as I understand it. Personally if need be I would have a third ablation. My second was pretty major and it has worked much better than the first. I really hope you have some success with the anti-arrhythmics. It must be so frustrating when you have travelled so far for your treatments. Best wishes to you.

[Roony39]

Hi cuore

I was in persistent af for at least two years before I was diagnosed. My first ablation held for 3 months ( with some episodes ) before going back into persistent. 2 nd ablation ( on dronedarone ) 27 th February last year and I’m still af free , and came off dronedarone in July. Good luck .

[cuore in reply to Roony39]

Thank you Roony39. How encouraging as you are AF free for almost a year from persistent. May you stay in sinus rhythm. Your story gives me great hope.

[ETFCfan]

Hello, I was in persistent AF had two cardioversions which failed after six weeks. My first ablation lasted six months. Had a second ablation and was completely okay for about 16 months then got paroxysmal then about two months ago it went into persistent. Like you reluctant to go for a third as I’ve been told the third may be longer than the others which were six and seven hours and no guarantees of success.

[Barb1]

Paroxysmal A F undiagnosed for years leading to persistent AF and DCM. Ist ablation about 6 months. 2nd a year. 3rd 18 mths. 4th coming up to 4 years now experiencing ectopics but I have been in a lot of pain recently with spine condition.

[cuore in reply to Barb1]

Your history is most interesting as each time you got an ablation you were able to remain in sinus rhythm a while longer culminating in your fourth ablation at 4 years and going. Your story certainly encourages me to go for a third ablation.

[Barb1 in reply to cuore]

The other good news is that the longer I am in AF the better for my heart structure which is now normal with only mild diastolic heart failure. Plus each ablation took less time, 7 1/2 hrs, 5 hrs, 4 hrs, 3 hrs.

[cuore]

I have had three cardioversions: pre and post first ablation and post second ablation. But each lasted only 3, 4 and 5 days respectfully. My first ablation was short-lived and my second lasted about five months. My first was probably seven hours long but the second was only an hour which is why I am surprised I had minimal results.

I know I will be going for a third ablation and even welcome it as long as I get some longevity in sinus rhythm. I find being in AF very limiting and depressing.

[whiststev]

Hi ,

I had an ablation during open heart surgery (surgical ablation) prior to this I had permanent AF for 6 months and i've been in NSR since the op although I get ectopics on a weekly basis . May I had that this type of ablation is quite rare ,they say its more successful due to being able to get access to all the pulmonary veins .

Regards

Steve

[grandmadogs]

I had 2 failed cardioversions followed by an ablation last September for persistent AF and (fingers crossed) still in NSR.

[Kahst3]

1 abalation and 172 days and counting!!! Thank God.