Good Morning
Can anyone tell me how to find outcome measures for catheter ablation procedures for uk hospitals? We live in hull but are wondering whether to choose Liverpool, freeman or more nearby leds/Sheffield. We obviously want best outcome and most experienced staff. Thanks
I don't see how this can be meaningfully measured.
I had mine done in Liverpool and I would recommend it as a Centre of Excellence.
The hospital is at Broadgreen and is difficult to find. Use L14 3LB for sat nav.
I am so surprised at the difference between the UK and the US ablation proceedures. I live in Florida and was diagnosed with afib a few years back. The AFIB control proceedure here is; 1. do nothing, 2. no meds, but take blood thinners. 3. Try rate/frequency meds and blood thinners. 4. ablation. 5. Mini-Maze
If option 4, ablation, is chosen, its usually done within 2-4 weeks depending on the surgeon and hospital scheduling. My doc has recommended ablation over a year ago. I choose not too. The success rate on the "FIRST" ablation is only 60%. The I looked at all the risk associated with this ablation, vagal problems, headaches, risk of infection, high heart rate afterwards, amount of meds needed afterwards, recovery time etc. No. Im not willing to do this for 60%, not at this time. On a side note, when I told my doc/surgeon about my resistants to having more than 1 ablation, his remarks were. "I will not do a 2nd ablation or 3rd. this creates too much scar tissue in the heart. I would recommend the mini-maze with the left atrial appendage being removed, by the thorasic surgeon in our group."
Well... he also said he has some patients that have not had any afib in over 12 years from a first and only ablation. Didnt ask if they were on meds.
Its a hit or miss, and personal decision for each of us. Just do what is right for you.
Thanks - ablation only option as curative procedure
I agree it is a personal decision. Each one of us responds differently to the various treatment options. If the drug therapy route works and is effective, that is certainly a wise option. I have tried them and they don't work for me. I am scheduled for an ablation in about a month and hope that it is effective. I understand the risks involved and they do not outweigh being in afib rhythm 2-3 days/week. FYI, I live in Wisconsin. My EP claims 80% success rate on the first ablation, but I know that there is still a good chance it will require more than one ablation. He also stated ablation is not a cure, it's a treatment. He said when it's effective it may last a couple of years or it could last 10 years. No guarantees in any case. As you said, do what's right for you. Good luck!
Leeds by far. Had both mine there, plus cardio version. My wife had hers at Hull, mine was MUCH better..... these are personal views however.....
Can't remember who I was speaking to at a wedding we attended last Thursday in Edinburgh but met someone from Hull who had an ablation there which was successful and they couldn't praise the hospital enough - but then I suppose if the first ablation is successful then you are going to be so happy you probably would say that wouldn't you? Have you visited both hospitals and do you have a preference? I don't know if you can look up the Doctors online and see their medical bios? I often do this if I am able to find individual Docs on line and some list a special interest in ablation so would think that those would be the best to go with - but suppose that doesn't always work out either as not everyone can have a successful ablation first time round - though there was someone posting on here recently saying that with new equipment/systems the success rate is now around 80% for first ablations - maybe best to look this up - it would have been posted in the last 3 weeks maybe 4 weeks and it may be useful to know what equipment or system gives this percentage as to me it seems pretty damn good then find out which hospital in your area uses this. If all do then you just have to make your choice as best you can. You are lucky to have a choice as here in Wales I don't get a choice as have to stay within my area - even though I live closer to a brilliant University Hospital in another area!
Hope I have not confused you more than you already are.
Take care
Des
Very difficult one and no single answer. What stage of progression you are at is just as relevant - "success" for an early stage paroxysmal AF is easier than for a mid stage persistent and ablating a late stage permanent AF remains very difficult, even for the best EPs - it's Haissaguerre's holy grail and I don't know if he considers he can reliably stop a permanent AF. Basically, you need to ask the EP who is going to do the op. If you ask about success rates generally and how they vary with stage of development, whether they do RF or Cryo, what is therir take on repeat procedures, is there a blanking period, etc., you should be able to get a good feel. It is the principal EP who is key, doing an ablation is as much about "feel" as the equipment or technique.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation
Catheter Ablation 
A/F Success Rates
