cyro ablation fail

[Henry716]

so after an abandoned attempt to do a PVI I have had an mri that has showed I have a rare anatomical variant and the dr has now said he cannot do a PVI because there is no easy to get from the leg to the heart. What to do now and has anyone had the same experience?

[BobD Volunteer]

Sounds like drugs are the only alternative I'm afraid but the good news is there is quite a variety to try.

[Fullofheart]

Oh that's a blow. My first ablation was a failed attempt and 2nd didn't work. 3rd attempt EP was not at all optimistic and seemed a no go (though did have positive outcome 5 months later which may or may not last of course). Point is though I know how disappointing it feels after all that you've been through to hear that. I hope you have a good thorough discussion about medications and other options. I was having conversations about meds (rate control and heart failure meds as my EF was low) for now and pacemakers down the line before this period of regular rhythm surprised us all. Like me you are pretty young so they will probably be looking at meds. There are options so try and focus on that if you can rather than what's not possible. Though for me it was also important to acknowledge the disappointment and other more complicated feelings (did I do something wrong etc?). Some of it was not that rational but its all valid and part of the process. At least it was for me... you'll have your own process no doubt.Take it easy.

[Henry716 in reply to Fullofheart]

The thing about it is I haven't had an episode since January so doc reckons stay on the meds which are propafenone and bisoporol and he calls it low burden. So with that maybe the meds are the way to go. Only problem is my social life is completely non existent since the AF started as I know longer drink and always enjoyed a social drink when on holiday, out for dinner etc. He keeps telling me the af won't kill me and to have a social life within moderation but I'm just so frightened of this condition.

[Fullofheart in reply to Henry716]

I do empathise. I've been tee total since ablation 3 as scared to rock the boat but I miss a beer too! Planning to re introduce gently now I'm a bit more confident. Been over 3 months of NSR. Not 5 or 6 beers mind, just 1. Alcohol free options have helped! 😊I think your doctors advice on moderation is sound. If your burden is low and the meds are working, AF shouldn't stop you living your life.

Sounds like lots of helpful advice in this thread too. Hope it's useful for you.

[Hidden]

I guess under the circumstances, it might be worth seeking a second opinion, perhaps privately if that’s possible. As BobD says, if medication turns out to be the only solution then it isn’t the end of the world. In my AF world, I think I know more people who depend on medication than have opted for the ablation route and I have to say (I’m pro ablation personally) they all seem to lead fairly normal lives.

Medication prescribed for controlling heart rate tends to be beta blockers with Bisoprolol being the preferred drug, mainly because GP’s are limited in what they can prescribe. It’s a drug which works for many but it can have side effects so assuming you have access to a specialist, it might be worth seeking their advice on what might be the best medication for you…..

Good luck…..

[KMRobbo]

NOT medically trained and no experience of this but google "afib ablation heart entrance routes" and you will find several references to entry via shoulder or neck.Perhaps you could explore those possibilities with your medics if the groin entry route is a no go!

Best wishes.

[Ducky2003 in reply to KMRobbo]

I did wonder why these weren't an option.

[Henry716]

I thought the same actually. Thanks

[AussieHeart in reply to Henry716]

My sister is going in next month for ablation and valve repair and the surgeon enters from the right side (not shoulder or neck). My understanding is this type of “keyhole surgery” is rare and the surgeon has to agree you’re a candidate for keyhole. You’d think from what you said, you would be. Ask if this is something you could be considered for. She’s travelling two hours to nearest capital city for it as no local heart surgeon where she lives can perform the procedure.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I was informed that structurally my heart is abnormal.

So therefore no ablation/anti-rhythm drugs or cardioversion.

So with time and tests I am controlled on meds.

CCB Calcium Channel Blocker for rapid H/R and AF. Diltiazem 120mg AM.

BB Beta Blocker Bisoprolol for BP and AF. 2.5mg PM.

Be patient and get an understanding public or private cardiologist, I did.

cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Henry716 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thanks joy

[Blessed77]

See Chris report from ordie C

[mjames1]

Drugs are not necessarily the only alternative, as has been suggested.

Besides the groin, entry points for catheter ablation can be through the neck or shoulder.

In addition, a surgical ablation like mini maze can be performed on the outside of the heart, rather than the inside, hopefully circumventing the problem altogether.

So please do not give up until you explore all options. That often means seeking additional opinions, as not all ep's have the same capacities in terms of technique.

Entry Points:

mayoclinic.org/tests-proced....

Re Surgical Ablation: See previous posts by member MummyLuv

Jim

[2learn]

Hi, you don't say whether you tried cardioversion, they have worked for me in keeping me AFib free fo rover a year at a time, I've had 3. Understand about ruining social life, I used to exercise regularly and liked a drink when socialising, but had a gout attck and thats basically stopped any social drinking and AF reduced my ability to exercis, so bugger. But I'm 20yrs older than you so I'm still going, just not doing what I always enjoyed for most of my life.

[Fryguy]

What about the mini Maze!!??

[DawnTX]

Have they considered using your carotid? I had a very aggressive procedure a year ago this past April and part of it was through my carotid artery. I wish you well. I hope they find answers