Good evening
Diagnosis is Atrial Flutter and various options given by a nice NHS cardiologist.
He is slightly concerned by my slight build in terms of invasive surgery and possible bruising of heart. Just wondered if anyone had anything to contribute to this? Thanks all, R
If you are referring to the posibility of an ablation it is not surgery it is done by a catheter threaded via your femoral vein into your heart in a catheter laboratory and is minimally invasive. I assume that your cardiologist is a mere plumber not an electrician and I would suggest that you ask to be referred to an electrophysiologist to discuss such options. There is often reluctance on the part of those who are unable to consider this form of treatment.
Atrial flutter has a very good profile of "cure" being far more easily ablated than Atrial Fibrillation so I would sincerely hope that you will investiage further and see that expert.
Totally agree with everything that’s been said but minded to go even further. Since Covid, I think it’s reasonable to say that obtaining constructive medical support and treatment is, in some parts of the UK, a bit of a lottery. Hopefully you will not, but if you experience any resistance in getting a referral to see an Electrophysiologist on the NHS, if it’s possible, consider seeing one privately. If you “only” have Atrial Flutter and your ticker is otherwise in good shape, you are well placed for a good recovery particularly with age on your side. If a private consultation is a possibility for you, please let us know because there are members who I’m sure, will be happy to share their experiences…….
A typical flutter ablation is on the right side of the heart and less invasive than an afib ablation. Also better success rates. So depending on how your aflutter is impacting your life, ablation should be considered. Best person to evaluate your suitability would be the person performing the ablation which would be an electrophysiologist (ep). They are cardiologists with extra training in arrhythmia's like afib and aflutter.
Jim
How slight is your build? I’ve been through the AFlutter Ablation experience a few years ago at same age as you and have BMI of 22 - there’s little fat on me. Took 2 Ablations to resolve. Happy to share my experience, both good & bad if you want to PM me. Solihull based.
I had an ablation for Flutter last June, none since. I can't understand the comment qbout your frame! The procedure uses your veins to carry the catheter up to your heart. 'Bruising' of what in particular?Of course,the heart itself has some ' controlled' scarring,that's the point!
I am West Midlands based,some excellent teams here.
Flutter is the most successful arrhythmia treated by ablation,far better than by drugs alone.
Think your Cardiologist is either misinformed unaware of this.
I had exactly the same, rather woolly, advice given to me on initial diagnosis.
I decided to find out more myself,and ended up looking for an EP and self referring.
Far better
I'd push for an NHS referral considering that Cardiologist admits he/ she is notvsure if it would be successful. Let the expert decide then 😏
Best wishes
My BMI is 18.I had an ablation for atypical (left sided) AFlutter earlier this year while having open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve and position a clip on my left atrial appendage.
A stand alone catheter ablation for flutter is obviously not as invasive as OHS and has a very high success rate. I think the first line of treatment will be to try medication to stop the flutter and then proceed to an ablation if your electrophysiologist recommends it.
Best wishes.
I think your cardiologist, who will be in a team with colleagues who carry out ablations so will be very well versed with the procedure, will have advised you well. The ablation certainly does "bruise" the heart in a manner of speaking by burning a small area to try to stop the mis-conduction that is happening. I have never heard of it being more troublesome for a slightly built person, but doctors have their own reasoning, knowledge and experiences and, generally, offer very sound advice.
I had persistent AFl in 2019 and no drugs helped much so I was grateful for my ablation which, although it stopped the flutter (in the right atrium), seems to precipitate fibrillation from the left atrium, sadly. I gather this is quite common. Luckily, so far, that is only sporadic.
Steve
I had a right atrium ablation for reentrant Atrial Flutter ( rate controlled at cobstant140 bpm) . My EP advised 90% success rate for that and IF succesful it almost never returns .5.5 years ago
wonder why you decided to leave, maybe you hit the wrong key! Hope you get the help you need…..ll
Hi as an active 58 year old I too had A Fib which was controlled with daily drugs and been fine since. I then developed atrial flutter some 3 months later and was admitted to hospital where they tried a range of drugs to bring the heart beat down from 130ish with no success. Ablation was my only option which I had 2nd July 2021 and although uncomfortable for a few weeks I’m now at a point where I’m back to normal and only recently stopped playing five a side. I get absolutely no atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter symptoms and although on daily tablets carry on with a normal life. I’d have no hesitation having it again if required.
New member - looking for others with similar experience 
New Member, Acute Atrial Fibrillation first time!
Maybe of interest to forum members
Newbie member - advice please 
