Read this
Early mortality following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation affects nearly one in 200 patients, with the majority of deaths occurring during 30-day readmission, an analysis of a nationally representative US cohort has revealed. Writing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), Edward P Cheng (Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital,
That's very reassuring 😬 .....about to go for my 4th. Oh well.....
I looked-up the study and one factor was low volume institutions-i e the staff are not so experienced. The AF association will advise people which EPs have a lot of experience so that helps!
I agree,but my worry is I'm not guaranteed to get the EP of my choice doing it even though I'm on his list ,he said . Not knowing for sure really frets me.
I was offered an ablation over three years ago if I could turn up next day and with a new EP they'd just taken on (they were filling his list to reduce the long waiting times). I politely declined, and was promptly taken off the waiting list. After a few enquiries I had a new appointment with my experienced EP and got put back on the list, with the proviso that it would be him doing the op. Then the pandemic intervened. My third pre-op is now in two weeks time, maybe this one will go through?.
All the best. I have to have an other Echo at the hospital next Tuesday and then they are supposed to put me on amiodorone before another CV - my fourth this last CV lasted over a year - just as well because ablation cancelled twice since last April when I should have had it. I will then be put on the list if Echo is OK. Of course because our Cardiac Unit had to close last October time because of a Covid outbreak there are lots of people waiting so goodness knows how long I will have to wait now. Went back into AF in May.
I assume you are in persistent AF. Mine is paroxysmal, and comes unexpectedly at long (or short!) intervals. I can have two or more sessions in a week, but more usually I get one or two every few months.
I hope you get on the list and they can sort it out for you soon.
Mine I thought I could live with, but the last two times it was awful and made me want the ablation right away.
Yes keep thinking you can live with it and you forget how bad things can be sometimes.
All the best.
A few things to note Kalgs.
The findings were taken between 2010 to 2015. In the last decade procedures for abalation have improved greatly. An ablation in 2010 was likely to carry far greater risk than one performed in 2021.
The findings also stated "procedural complications, congestive heart failure.... were predictors of early mortality". It goes on to say "prompt management of post-procedure complications and CHF may be critical for reducing mortality rates following AF ablation". I would guess these are more in place now and would reduce the risk even further.
Interesting article anyway - thanks for sharing.
Paul
Thanks for the reply Paul
One of the big problems of US health care where money spinning can mean inexperienced people doing complex procedures. I mentioned a few years ago that deaths in UK are pretty much unknown because most EP centres are doing lots of procedures on a daily basis. OK you may have to wait a long time rather than just be wheeled in but you are pretty safe under our NHS.
Thanks. I’m due an ablation at Barts so I read this and it concerned me .
I’ve had an ablation at Barts - you will be in the best hands, please don’t worry.
Thanks
When was your ablation eastern? Who carried it out? Mines booked for 16th august at barts
Hi, Mine was in October 2020. I believe it was Vinit Sawhney. Please try not to worry, they will look after you very well x
Yeah I’ve heard they’re one of the best in the country. I had a private consult with one of the top Eps in country and he recommended them as his waiting list is very long. Hopefully all goes well 🙏
Good luck the chances are at a good London hospital you will be fine. I would add however that I do not think ablations are to be taken lightly because of the potential complications. As I have said previously, I will only be going for one when QOL is very poor.
Hello I’ve had three ablations at Barts and about to go in for a Pace and Ablate. I have every confidence in all the specialists there, they are amazing. Please try not to worry x
Thanks. 3 ablations ?
Yes had two cardioversions which only lasted a few days and then a week. The first ablation lasted a few months and then I went back. The second ablation worked for about two years until I caught some sort of flu virus. They thought a third might not work due to the length of time Id been in AF and it didn’t and have accepted I’m in permanent AF . So now trying a Pace and Ablate which they seem very confident will work for me. I’m so impressed how they’ve tried ever and I’m not a youngster either. So obviously hoping the Pace and Ablate helps as they say. Hope your journey isn’t as long but you will get there.
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