Does anyone know what type of pacemaker is used for pace and ablate procedure

[Alphakiwi]

Pacemaker types

[CDreamer]

Whichever one your cardiologist/EP advises.

Mine had to fight to have a resynchronisation therapy for me as I had some complications but from what I understand it’s not usual practice. Interestingly my private health insurance refused to pay for it as I didn’t meet the NICE requirements for this type of device but the NHS considered it necessary as my EP put an argument for funding that if I didn’t get it they would be repeating the process implanting it in about 12 months anyway.

Link to the type of device I have medtronic.com/uk-en/patient...

It’s linked to an app on my phone which sends signals back to the clinic, only downside is that I need to stay within 1m of my phone. Not really a problem for me 🙈

The pacemaker worked so well for me that I didn’t then require the AV node ablation. I had the implant Nov 2018 and so far only had 3 episodes of AF that I could notice, all when I had a virus, only the last was of any significance but as I have only been in AF now less than 1% of the time since them implant it was considered insignificant.

Improvement of QOL = 100%.

[Alphakiwi in reply to CDreamer]

I see your implant is not a pacemaker. It seems to be a syncronising device.The device for me will be a pacemaker that i will rely on full time as the av node will be knocked out about 5 weeks after the pacer is fitted. I found out a few hrs ago that here in NZ a rate responsive pacemaker is available. It detects increased breathing and body motion as in walking etc.. im guessing that would be what would be best for pace and ablate ? I guess i will find out on the 7th july.

Thanks for sharing your imfo.

Would be intetrsting to hear how you came to dodge the ablation part as would have thougjt that the 2 procedures would work together.

Anyway i guess that would be another option in the future

[CDreamer in reply to Alphakiwi]

OK - the device I have is a Pacemaker but a 3 lead PM, meaning it paces both ventricles as well as the atria instead of just one, which is the one often implanted for various types of arrythmias and prior to AV node ablation. As I explained above, the danger of pacing only one ventricle is that after AV node ablation, there is a danger of the ventricles going out of sync resulting in heart failure. The PM is often used for those in Heart Failure which my EP felt was probable for me within the year had he used a 2 lead PM.

The technologies for these devices is incredible and improves all the time so I am sure the one you will have will be another step on from mine.

The AV node ablation is only be done some 6 weeks after the implant to ensure that the PM is working as it should, you have healed and everything is set so it’s comfortable.

I had the PM implant in preparation for the AV node ablation but as in the following 6 week healing period I didn’t have any arrythmias I asked for it to be delayed as I believe if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Because I have been so well with just the PM we have delayed indefinitely the AV node ablation procedure but it’s now always an option if my arrythmias return.

Be aware that the PM does not always stop AF or other arrythmias and may continue after the AV node ablation but because your pulse will remain stable and regular you should be much less symptomatic.

Good luck and hope all goes well.

[ETFCfan in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks CDreamer for your detailed reply. I’m due for Pace and Ablate starting next week. I have read before that you didn’t need to go through the ablation after and wondered how. I have been told clearly that my AF which is Permenent will continue and I may still feel it but the AV node ablation will as you say allow me to have a steady pulse and ease my symptoms. Thank you for making it so clear, I know it wasn’t my question but you’ve helped.

[Alphakiwi in reply to CDreamer]

Thankyou for your great explanation. Because pace and ablate is of such a permanent nature i have for many weeks wrestled with doubts about going ahead. Today i have the arrhythmia back again after being regular now for 9 wks so no doubts now !

I also now have a date for the pacemaker implant. 7th july.

Previous to 22nd april i had a tough time of it for 10 months continuous with omly the odd day of regular pulse and all its side affects. Its much better with a regular pulse and that is what the pace and ablate does.

[dedeottie in reply to Alphakiwi]

I can’t answer your question but will be following the answers as I am on the list for this procedure too. I would be grateful if you would keep us updated. Good luck. X

[Alphakiwi in reply to dedeottie]

Will doDedeottie, Are you in for pace and ablate to ?

[dedeottie in reply to Alphakiwi]

Yes, pace and ablate. I have no doubt that this the right way to go as all medication has stopped working and I am unable to have another RF ablation due to a rare complication during the last one. However, at present my AF is not permanent so in between episodes I get lulled into a false sense of security! My episodes are fairly frequent eg weekly and often last for days at Heart rate of 150 so are very unpleasant and during one, I have absolutely no doubts whatsoever!!I am a bit scared though I must admit and keep thinking how great it will be if my AF is much better after having just the pacemaker fitted and then I can put off the ablate bit for a bit longer. Fingers crossed for us both.

Take care x

[Barb1 in reply to Alphakiwi]

Yes, I will be relying on my PM full time after the node ablation, necessary because of my very fast heart rate. But I have to wait 3 months after the PM implant as the fast heart rate has caused my right atrium to be severely enlarged and the wire was difficult to place. I have a Medtronic Azure MRI device with one lead.

[booboo73]

Following also with interest...will be next step for me too! Xx

[Alphakiwi in reply to booboo73]

Thanks Booboo. I will be having the pacer fitted in 2 weeks and will be interested myself in whst type of pacer is used. Will let you all know. I am very lucky as have the top team in NZ working on me.

[Hylda2]

Husband blue lighted to A&E after total heart block and an hr in the 20s! He now has a Medtronic pacemaker which reports to a machine which looks like a mini-urinal sitting on our bedside table.

[Alphakiwi in reply to Hylda2]

Did he have an arryhthmia problem before his A&E visit ?

[Hylda2 in reply to Alphakiwi]

Oddly enough he had nothing. At 77, no pills, always very fit. Then he started slowing up. We put it down to age until his heart rate started dropping like a stone. Couldn’t get a Drs appointment until his heart got to 20s. Then I got really cross. Rushed him to surgery, blues and twos straight to hospital.