TOE and Ablation

[kalgs]

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?

[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 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks

[wilsond in reply to CDreamer]

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]

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 in reply to MatlockSteven]

Thanks

[stoneyrosed in reply to MatlockSteven]

Have you just had the one ablation Steve?

[BobD Volunteer]

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 in reply to BobD]

Thanks

[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 in reply to Jalia]

4th . So what happened

[kalgs in reply to kalgs]

Thanks

[Jalia]

A difficult case 😬

[kalgs in reply to Jalia]

Thanks and good luck

[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]

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 in reply to CakeMaker70]

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

[stillaboveground]

What is TOE please

[kalgs in reply to stillaboveground]

transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) .

[Paige70 in reply to kalgs]

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 in reply to Paige70]

Thanks and how have you been since?

[Paige70 in reply to kalgs]

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 in reply to Paige70]

Wonderful

[stillaboveground in reply to kalgs]

Thank you I am not good with abbreviations

[kalgs]

Have a google

[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 in reply to Jajarunner]

Thanks

[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 in reply to Barb1]

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

[Barb1]

Why can't you ask for GA?

[kalgs in reply to Barb1]

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

[Ducky2003]

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

[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 in reply to Fazerboy]

Thanks