Metal in chest

[joyelane]

I have some metal clips on my esophagus that prevent me from having an ablation since it is heat conducting. I think this is probably not a common occurrence, but thought this would be a good place to ask if anyone has had a similar situation. My doctor found a research project in England that was designed to use a cold-type method for doing an ablation, but it has been put on hold. Hoping someone might have had a similar situation that could comment. Thanks for any input.

[mjames1]

There is Cryo Ablation (freezing) but that has been around for a number of years. There is a new technology (quicker and safer) called Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) that uses neither heat nor cold.

Why don't you give Royal Papworth Hospital a ring and explain your situation?

They are the first hospital in the UK offering PFA and may find your case interesting and may even bump you up to the front of the line. 😀

Jim

[joyelane in reply to mjames1]

Thank you for this information!! I will talk to my doc next week about this. I live in the US so am hopeful that they have the same capabilities over here.

[mjames1 in reply to joyelane]

So in the US PFA is in trial right now and will be available in 1-2 years. Not all ep's are up to speed yet, but you might want to call one of the larger trial centers, like Johns Hopkins, and discuss your situation and perhaps set up a consult with one of the ep's that does PFA. They may still be doing televisits, so no travel for first consultation. Royal Papworth will do it now if you pay private, but it will run 15-18K.

Jim

[joyelane in reply to mjames1]

My ep talked to me about this when I saw him last year, but said the trial had been paused. I see him next week and will give him this info. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks again!

[mjames1 in reply to joyelane]

I'm going to assume what he meant was that the trials are no longer enrolling. And that may be true, because they have been going on for a few years and are wrapping up. Best estimates is that PFA will be available in 1-2 years in US (out of trial) and again, currently being done (again out of trial) in UK and Europe.

Hopefully, your ep will confirm what I've said, but in all due respect to your ep, they are not always up to date (or accurate) on procedures that they or their hospital does not do. Again, just call John Hopkins, or one of the other large PFA trial Centers and you will get the most accurate information.

Jim

[Cat04]

Interesting. I have had 2 ablations and open heart surgery . The second resulting in a metal clip, springs, wires and a new valve which also contains metal. Does this mean I can no longer have another ablation if needed 🤔

[joyelane in reply to Cat04]

My clips were put in in 1966 long before magnetic medical equipment was ever used. Recent surgery would use non-magnetic materials so I would think you wouldn't have any problems.

[Down10FTN]

Esophageal fundiplication?,

[joyelane in reply to Down10FTN]

No, I had a growth attached to my esophagus about the size of a chicken egg. Had a thoracotomy to remove it and in the process they accidentally cut a hole in the esophagus. Things of nightmares for me at the age of 19. Probably from a fungus

[Down10FTN in reply to joyelane]

Nightmarish for sure. My stomach is pulled up, forward, wrapped around my lower esophagus, and stapled. I had a cryoablation in Feb, but you're right...who knows what kind of metals they used in the 60s

[joyelane in reply to Down10FTN]

Speaking of nightmares! Hope all of that work fixed your issues.