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TOE and Ablation

kalgs profile image
33 Replies

It’s been agreed that I will have an ablation at Barts under local sedation. Is TOE used for all ablations. Also how does it feel being awake for the procedure?

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kalgs profile image
kalgs
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33 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

You would have to ask your doctors about the TOE but I believe in the UK, yes. I think you scan have a very expensive MRI instead but I can’t see that happening in the NHS these days unless thought essential.

I can only speak from my own experience but I don’t remember anything about the TOE - heavily sedated at that point. I drifted in and out of awareness, mostly out, for the majority of the procedure - I do remember bits - I thought it fascinating and liked being able to ask questions - just a bit weird that way as I want to know what everything does and how it works!

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toCDreamer

Thanks

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply toCDreamer

We don't have a TOE at UHWC, all seems very casual TBH! I'd prefer to have one for the reasons you say :(

MatlockSteven profile image
MatlockSteven

Ever been abducted by Aliens? Bit like that. In seriousness, its uncomfortable but not painfull, and I found it quite interesting. Amazing have that many people watching out for you and you can always ask for more pain relief if not happy. As someone who is now 3 years later and no afib... best thing I ever did.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toMatlockSteven

Thanks

stoneyrosed profile image
stoneyrosed in reply toMatlockSteven

Have you just had the one ablation Steve?

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

TOE is usually used to check that there are no clots in the heart likey to escape and cause a stroke. Most EPs require a patient to be antiogulated for at least a month if not longer prior to ablation so TOE is not required from my own experience.

That said I did have one for an emergency cardioversion after I unwisely stopped my warfarin following my first ablation many years ago. No idea what it was like as I was enjoying a game with the fairies at the time.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toBobD

Thanks

Jalia profile image
Jalia

I've had 3 ablations and had TOE fir all 3...last one 8 years ago. 2 were under sedation and one GA.

I have my 4th in 3 weeks time and EP informs me that TOE will not be necessary now. I will be having sedation which I'm quite happy about. You should be made quite comfortable with it otherwise let them know!!

Good luck !

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toJalia

4th . So what happened

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply tokalgs

Thanks

Jalia profile image
Jalia

A difficult case 😬

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toJalia

Thanks and good luck

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo

I did not have a TOE gor my ablation in Jan 2018. I had been on A/C ( Pradaxa) for 25 days prior to the ablation.

CakeMaker70 profile image
CakeMaker70

I’m on day 2 recovery after having an ablation on Wednesday, I was so stressed at the thought of only being sedated for the procedure but it was absolutely fine. You drift in and out of sleep, I was aware of being awake on 3 occasions. I remember being fascinated by the machines around me and I was told that if I felt uncomfortable to say the word pain and they would give me more sedative, which I did once. It wasnt pain as much as a feeling of discomfort. You are not aware of how long you are on the table. Not heard of TOE.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toCakeMaker70

Thanks and well done . transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is often done prior to ablation

stillaboveground profile image
stillaboveground

What is TOE please

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply tostillaboveground

transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) .

Paige70 profile image
Paige70 in reply tokalgs

I had an ablation at Barts under sedation in 2017 and as I had been on anticoagulants for over a month didn’t require a TOE much to my relief. I was aware of what was happening some of the time especially when they were isolating the veins but it was only uncomfortable. I was well cared for and have been much better since.Hope all goes well for you.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toPaige70

Thanks and how have you been since?

Paige70 profile image
Paige70 in reply tokalgs

Much better, it took a while to recover. I still get very short episodes which last under a minute periodically but my quality of life is so much better and I am pleased I had it done. I had put off having it done for a while but then knew it was the right time.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toPaige70

Wonderful

stillaboveground profile image
stillaboveground in reply tokalgs

Thank you I am not good with abbreviations

kalgs profile image
kalgs

Have a google

Jajarunner profile image
Jajarunner

I've only had a toe if I hadn't completed full course of anticoagulants. They were due to do one for my first ablation, due to my bleeding disorder (,to keep me off anticoagulants as much as possible) but in the end I got Afib so was on them anyway.I did have a toe before a cardioversion and as an examination another time. I was sedated but the sedation us an amnesiac so just as it starts to get a bit much, you 'wake up' with it all done. Of course, you don't really wake up coz you were never unconscious but you have a big gap in your memory. I was told I was responsive throughout!!!! The drug name begins with a M but I cannot remember the full name.

Hope all goes well for you

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toJajarunner

Thanks

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

I have had 5 ablations and TOE under GA for all even though on anti coagulant. It is actually 6 TOE's, as one discovered a clot even as I say being on an anti coagulant.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toBarb1

Wow. I’m not having GA I’m more worried about the TOE than the ablation

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

Why can't you ask for GA?

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toBarb1

Because I would prefer to be awake . It’s the same reason I sit near the door on an aeroplane lol

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

I had my ablation. No TOE required as I have been on anticoagulants for some time.

Fazerboy profile image
Fazerboy

I had an ablation for svt. I wasn’t on any meds and I didn’t have a TOE. Not sure if this helps.

kalgs profile image
kalgs in reply toFazerboy

Thanks

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