confused

[Henry716]

after failed aborted cyroablation last week my cardiologist has said he had an incling it was going to be difficult passing from one side of heart to the other to complete the ablation and has ordered an mri before second attempt. Is this normal and has anyone else had the same issue? Bit worries to be honest

[Paulbounce]

Hi Henry. I understand that you're feeling worried after your failed aborted cryoablation procedure and your cardiologist's indication of difficulty in passing from one side of your heart to the other. I want to reassure you that it is not uncommon for cardiologists to encounter these challenges during cardiac procedures, and your doctor's decision to order an MRI before attempting a second ablation is a prudent step.

Each individual's heart anatomy is unique, and sometimes the pathway for ablation can be more complex than anticipated. By conducting an MRI, your cardiologist will gain a clearer understanding of your heart's structure and be better prepared for the second attempt. It's important to remember that your cardiologist is taking these precautions to ensure your safety and optimize your chances of success.

Rest assured that others have faced similar challenges during such ablation procedures - I'm sure other members of the forum will have been in a similar situation to you and will comment.

Remember to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your Cardio.

Stay positive and place trust that you are in the hands of a skilled medical professional.

You'll be fine I think.

Paul

[Henry716 in reply to Paulbounce]

Thankyou paul, I just thought he had seen something abnormal and didn’t want to tell me until he saw an mri

[mjames1]

Hi Henry, You posted the same four days ago. Were you able to see the answers? Sometimes the site hard to navigate. I mentioned then that the MRI might be to see if the lesions put down had enough coverage. A good question to ask your ep. Let us know what they say.

Jim

[Henry716 in reply to mjames1]

hi James

Yeah I did mate but I only learned of the difficulty of passing through one side to the other and wondered what the issue might be. Mr anxiety me mate

[Fullofheart]

My first ablation was classed as a fail and aborted as they couldn't isolate the vein that was driving the AF using cryo ablation technique. The second time they used RF technology. The parameters are different/ more precise.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

An inkling?

He should have had results from many tests before ablation.

I've had an ECG (had 6) Echo Scan, a 24-hr monitor. Then MRI to form a picture of your heart is working.

I cannot have ablation because the ECHO measures my heart with LV chamber enlarged.

Then there is age, and the years that I have had Rapid, Persistent H/R AF.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Henry716 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I know, bit weird 🤷‍♂️

[Ppiman]

It's very good news in a way as a stress cardiac MRI is the gold standard heart imaging scan and few people get them. In your case, I would also be worried because it's natural, but, for sure, the heart wall varies a lot between individuals and the need to puncture it for right-sided AF ablation is one of the more risky aspects to the procedure, so I feel sure that your cardiologist was simply being careful. You will already have had an echocardiogram, I should think, so that, along with the MRI will let the doctor know lots of useful information about your heart.

Steve

[dedeottie]

Hi Henry.

I had one RF ablation about 10 years ago with no apparent problems. I then needed a touch up ablation but it was aborted as there was a problem crossing the septum and the needle they use went into my aorta causing total panic stations. The EP thought it was because my heart may be rotated at a slightly different angle to the norm. He said it was too risky to do any more. Very very long story short 7 years later a new EP offered to try again , this time with MRI and camera down throat during operation. He did it under general as it would be safer especially if there was a complication. It all went without incidents. I needed a further EP study to locate and ablate the source of tachychardia. He did this without GA as he said he now knew my anatomy. It all went well and to date has been a success.

Hope my story helps you to see that we are all different but that with the right imaging prior to the procedure all should be well. I am a worrier too so I completely get it but maybe this will make you worry a bit less. X

[Henry716 in reply to dedeottie]

ah Thankyou so much for this dedeottie x