Cryo ablation

[Bailou]

Hi All, After my first cryoablation for af last year my EP told me that he didn’t manage to get it all during the op as he didnt have all the equipment he needed at the time.

Thankfully I’ve not had any episodes of af post ablation but do get a fluttering sensation a few times a week which can sometimes break my sleep at night. Checked it on my Kardia device and shows as sinus rhythm with pvc’s.

EP advised me to continue taking 100mg of flecainde and 2.5mg of bisoprolol daily as he felt the af may come back. Whilst I’m really grateful getting the ablation done on the NHS I’m obviously disappointed i still have flutter/pvc’s and still on meds.

I am convinced that diet and fitness are major contributor but there are so many differing options/experts. Pradip Jamnadas / Paleo cardiologist / Ivor Cummins / Esselsteyn / Gregor / Ornish etc.

Would appreciate your feedback on diets etc and views on calcium scoring and flecainide - EP says completely harmless drug.

Thanks in advance

[BobD Volunteer]

Just to clarify your first sentence, Cryo ablation relies on a small balloon which when filled with freezing gas expands into the entrances of the four pulmonary veins causing freeze burns which block the rogue signals. If your veins are not all nice and regular some areas may be missed. It is for this reason that quite often a second RF ablation may subsequently be needed. You would not expect the EP to do both at the same time.

Regarding diet, a more plant based diet concentrating on natural , not processed foods has been found to greatly reduce A F burden. Obviously alcohol and stimulants like caffeine are ill advised as are added sugars.

[Bailou in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob

[Bailou]

Thanks Bob

[afibtennis]

I have been taking flecanide for several years and have not had any re-occuring incidents.

[Bailou in reply to afibtennis]

Thanks

[Tojo2020]

Hi Bailou,

First, I think you have a very honest EP. To continue Bob D's answer, how do they do it? Inside your heart, in blood, an opaque medium. No visibility. How to balance too much cryo vs too little? How to know how far up the pulmonary veins and or how far from the veins to ablate? I am just a humble cataract surgeon who has had two ablations. I an convinced cardiac ablation is a gift and is pure magic.

Be well,

Tom

[Bailou in reply to Tojo2020]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Tom