Maximum number of Ablations?

[cloudster]

Has anyone been told they've had enough ablations?

Just curious, had one, really don't want another...

[Hidden]

Good afternoon Cloudster,

Ablations are usually offered on an individual basis, based upon your medical history, how successful/unsuccessful any previous procedures where, whether you are suitable for (or are already taking) medications, whether there may be any alternative treatment options, and of course your own personal preference. There is no 'set rule' as such for how many ablations an individual may have.

Please feel free to contact our Patient Services Team on 01789 867502 or email [e-mail] if you would like to speak with one of the team who are able to answer questions, as well as offer advice and support.

[Gumbie_Cat]

A lot of people need a top-up ablation, and several have 3 or 4. I have been told that more are extremely unlikely to work in my case, so I have been told that’s enough. (Only lasted a couple of days.) It tends to be a case of risk balanced against possible benefit.

I don’t regret having it though, and I would have had more if advised. I think your EP will know best really.

[pottypete1]

I had 7 ablations.

After 3 my EP told me he could do nothing more for me and I should look forward to permanent AF.

Soon after that my EP retired.

I continued to have regular AF episodes and when in hospital A&E having a cardioversion the EP who had been consulted said it was worth having another ablation.

I went on to have 4 more ablations.

I have now been AF free for over a year and my last ablation (for atrial tachycardia) was in 2017.

It was a gradual improvement after that last ablation.

I am so glad I gave consent for the doctors to keep trying.

Pete

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had 3 ablations and been told I wont be offered any more.

[4chickens]

I’ve had 4 ablations and was scheduled for a 5th before deciding on a hybrid mini maze instead,

[CheriAlli23 in reply to 4chickens]

Hi, what is a hybrid mini maze? 🌷

[4chickens in reply to CheriAlli23]

it’s a procedure which involves both Epicardial (surgical) and Endocardial (catheter) ablation. So the inside of the heart ablated through the groin and the outside of the heart surgically ablated through small portholes running down from under your arm. It’s more invasive than catheter ablation alone but has a better success rate in people in permanent AF.

[CheriAlli23 in reply to 4chickens]

Thanks for the info. I had no idea. Take

care.

[Fullofheart]

It really is dependent on the individual I think, based on many factors. I had 3 last year as they tried very hard to get me in to NSR but they won't do any more because they weren't successful and they don't feel another go would bear fruit. There is too much scarring in the heart as I have been in persistent AF for many years.I think it would be a different story if I was someone who'd had successful ablations over the years that needed "topping up". I imagine others have stories like that.

[Ppiman]

My son's colleague has had, I believe five, in his life (he is now 76 years old) and has just developed AFand AFl again and been told no more are possible.

Steve

[dedeottie]

I have been told I won’t be able to have another. I have had 3 over a period of 10 years. 2 were concentrating on the pulmonary veins and the third was an EP study followed by extensive work on in other areas of the atria. I will now have extensive scarring which would now make a further ablation difficult and the odds of success less likely. If AF returns I will have a pace and ablate. For now though all is mostly very good. X

[BeeBee79]

I've had 4 and if this latest one doesn't work, they have said I will be eligible for a mini maze procedure

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

A friend has had 3. He was told no more. That's in NZ at Auckland Hospital.

cheri jOY. 74. (NZ)

[DKBX]

Five and, hopefully, NOT counting. So far so good but if this fifth one fails, I’ll consult with the Lovelace Heart team and take their advice. Find a team you trust.