Another ablation after having complications the first time around

[Skippy_h]

Hi, has anyone had a second ablation after having complications the first time around? I developed pulmonary vein thrombosis a few days after my first ablation and my consultant has advised that he is unsure at the moment whether I should have another ablation in the future.

[rosyG]

Hi Skippy,Chances of another PVT depend on why you got the first one so it's very difficult for any one to advise - doctors included- so can see why he is hesitating. If you had a clot already from AF and it was missed then that could be checked more carefully pre op but if you tend to clot slightly more easily that might be another matter- very difficult to know Perhaps you can decide based on how much you need the second ablation- quality of life etc?? If the risk is higher then the benefit/need needs to be higher.... sorry you are in this position,,, not easy

[Skippy_h in reply to rosyG]

Hi RosyG, they're confident that the clot was as a complication of the ablation as I have atrial tachycardia and not afib (which I understand that people are prescribed blood thinners for?). It's frustrating for me as I'm only 25 and the episodes of AT are a lot more intense now than before I had the ablation so on more medication now than before. I'm hoping that they'll consider it in a few years as the ablation seemed to work the first time and I didn't have a single episode for over a week - it was lovely! Then I became ill with PVT and the episodes came back whilst I was back in hospital. Thanks for your advice, it's much appreciated

[rosyG in reply to Skippy_h]

Sorry to hear this Skippy. AT is usually much faster and therefore more symptomatic so you must feel rubbish. I hope they can review it when the clots resolve- which they will over time- but it would be dangerous to do anything before then as the clots dislodge and travel. If disturbed. Over time they just get absorbed so hang on in there. Make sure you are on the best meds fir you. Ask fir reviews of meds if you feel your AT us getting any worse. Let us know how you get on - also if blood flow is restricted at present don’t overdo things - match activity with how you feel. Good luck

[BobD Volunteer]

Do you mean pulmonary vein stenosis -- hardening or narrowing of the pulmonary vein where it meets the heart? This is a risk during RF ablation I understand but provided that it has sorted itself out you should be back to normal now. I can understand your EPs reluctance though .

[Skippy_h in reply to BobD]

Hi BobD, I was told I developed PVT where clots have formed and actually blocked the flow of blood within some of the veins. I had the ablation in February and the latest CT scan I had at the end of May shows that there is still a blockage in some of the veins. My consultant advised that over time new pathways can form within the vein so it could go "back to normal". I'm only 25 so hoping that in a few years they may try again. The frustrating thing is I didn't have a single episode of atrial tachycardia after the ablation for over a week and then I became ill with the PVT and the episodes started again but a lot more intense than before! So now I'm on more medication than when I started, sods law ey!