Complications with ablation

[Euve]

I'm going for my ablation in two weeks I was wondering has anyone on the site who has gone for an ablation had any kind of serious complications, when I met with my doctor to discuss it,he did mention that there can be some serious complications and even mentioned the mortality rate which I know is very low but when I heard that, it was unnerving? but hearing it from the people who went through it and find out what if any complications that occurred besides it being sucessful or not would be the best way to get the answers

[dedeottie]

My first was absolutely fine but during my second the fine needle used to go through thee sptum, pierced my aorta which could have been total disaster. As it turned out I was fine but spent the night on hourly observations and scans. As EP doesnt know why or how it happened he wont do another, to my family's great relief!

It was very scarey but I am still glad I had the first as a combination of that procedure and meds have given me at least 4 years AF free. The risks are small, but Im afraid they are there. My QOL was not good so I would have opted for anything but my opinion is only go for it is QOL is poor. X

[Hidden]

Hi Euve,

The list of complications and risk rates are quite overwhelming , but the doctors have to do this to cover themselves if anything does go wrong.

On here you will mainly hear from people that have had problems, that's how the internet works. People that have had an ablation with no issues tend not to post.

I had an ablation over two years ago. I had no complications and no pain. I have been in rhythm since the day of my procedure and would do it again if required.

It has transformed my life!

There are many people in the cath lab when you have an ablation, and they are all there to keep you safe.

[Hidden]

It’s right to be cautious Euve but the only advice I can offer is to consider how many ablations are performed here in the UK (1000’s) and how rare it is to get posts from people regretting they to the plunge. Crossing the road is fairly high risk but I guess that’s something you do several times a day. Doctors are duty bound to make you aware of potential risks and there is no reason why you cannot ask them how many times they have had to deal with the risks they have mentioned. I’m sure you will go ahead so please let us know how it goes....best wishes.

[BobD Volunteer]

The ony reason they tell you all the bad things is so that you can't sue them.

[Kaz747 in reply to BobD]

Commonly known as CYA (cover your arse) 😉

[Jjda]

I had a Cryoablation last September. Everything went fine, and I had no complications. I was in the procedure for 5 hours, and afterward, the doctor referred to it as a "complicated" procedure, since I apparently have several blood vessels that twist and turn where most people's don't! But, I didn't know any of that until I was back in the room and fine. The worst part to me was the having to lie flat on your back for 6 hours after the procedure, but I survived and actually talked the nurse into letting me sit up earlier. Another thing that they tend to downplay is the recovery time. They will tell you that you can resume your normal activities after 2 weeks, but that is very individual. If your normal activities were sleeping on the couch and watching TV, then you will be able to resume them earlier than 2 weeks, but if you were accustomed to an active lifestyle, it could be several months before you can get back to where you were before. And, a full year before the heart is fully healed, so do not get discouraged.

Since the ablation, I have had no Afib episodes, although I must admit I only had one diagnosed episode before the ablation. Have faith in your doctor and try not to worry. And good luck.

[Mouchkin]

Eave ,I had an ablation just over four months ago. I was awake it was a cyroablation and my phrenic nerve was caught. This means I have been breathless. It is more likely to happen, I read, with a Cryoblation...although it is still unusual. I had a fluoroscopy which is an X-ray that shows me breathing ,after a few months. Although that complication is a bit of a nuisance...I would still do it again as I feel WELL. I have rested quite a lot and have used the time to go to Slimming World and get my weight down. I am 80! I asked my GP about exercise and I now go to the gym where they monitor me. All in all I am very pleased in that I am making slow progress. I know it is scary but now I have had it done once I wouldn’t worry too much about having another.

[jedimasterlincoln]

I've had 5.

"Complications" after the first was a significant bleed from the entry point (I was on warfarin) when I moved a urine bottle between my legs and knocked the scab off my wound. I had a very big very painful bruise which actually caused me more pain and discomfort than anything else, it spread from groin to almost knee and preventing me getting about easily for a few weeks. Partly due to the bruise and partly due to my right leg/knee not being in great shape to begin with due to osteoarthritis.

I remember having an ectopic after number 2 and also visual disturbances.

Number 5 was technically difficult for the EP, as he had trouble penetrating me onto the left side but he got there in the end

I have also been incredibly tired for some weeks after all of them, though not a complication you need to bear this in mind depending on what you have to deal with at home (for my last 3 I had a pregnant other half then a new baby)