Did you have an ElectroPhysiology Study (EPS) during your ablation? Did the results change the EP's approach and ablation targets?

[Bennera513]

Due for PVI Cryo-Balloon Ablation for PAF early October. Was hopeful he would not 'blindly' isolate PV, but would hunt for problem areas first so I'm very happy. My ectopics are much more symptomatic to me (currently) than the AF, so my thought is he might target some of those triggers if able. After 20 years, I may learn what is going on in there. Nervous that these triggers will be shy on the day of the procedure though....

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry but balloon cryo ablation can ONLY deal with the four pulmonary veins. (provided of course that they are nice and regular ). All other areas would need a follow up RF ablation.

Cryo, being fast and a lot easier, is usually done as a first attempt with maybe a follow up RF should it not stop the AF completely.

Ectopics are seldom ablated for and generally considered by the medical profession to be benign despite causing many people some stress.

[Bennera513 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob! Sounded like an EP could potentially have an RF catheter on the ready. John Day in Afib Cure pointed out that most hospitals wouldn't spring for the extra cost of using both catheters in single treatment. Like you say that's surely by design,...to keep things simpler on first attempt and I'm more than good with a conservative approach.

Boy, don't I know re: ectopics and medical community. Ironically, it was somewhat of a 'relief' when I demonstrated AF on EKG,...I then actually had a diagnosis that justified some action/treatment. Hasn't been the panacea for the ectopics I had hoped. But, by comparison, it helps level set where my concerns are placed. A palpitation riddled ride on the bike is a good day if I say out of AF...

[Lilypocket]

I had an RF ablation so he could target other areas as well as the PVs if it was needed ( and it was!). As Bob said Cryroablation targets the PVs and a second touch up RF is often needed if other areas need to be dealt with. Preferred to have a RF as first ablation.Take care