Ablation referral

[50568789]

Going to a referral appointment tomorrow with an EP. Current paroxysmal AF , about every 8 weeks, inquired about having flec as a PIP but cardiologist not in favour and wants EP to assess me for ablation. Really just asking for any advice on the questions I should be asking so I'm properly prepared.Thanks

[mjames1]

Different ep's have different strategies. In you situation, some might suggest ablation like yours did, others might suggest PIP Flecainide and still others might suggest daily flecainide to prevent the episodes entirely. Some may have other ideas.

There is no one "right" approach, but if you're leaning more toward a medication based solution at the moment, I'd express this to your ep, who hopefully believes in shared medical decision making. If not, you might seek a second ep who does.

Jim

[50568789 in reply to mjames1]

Thanks Jim. We'll see what he has to say! The seed planted in my head by the cardiologist was him saying this is a good stage for me to get it done, another couple of years and my heart might have deteriorated so that an ablation would have a reduced chance of success. You're drinking in the Last Chance Saloon, was my interpretation.

[mjames1 in reply to 50568789]

Let us know what he says, however a good ep -- not a cardilogist-- is in the best position to tell you how good a candidate for ablation you are both today and in the future. But again, ablation seems like reasonable decision at this point, but so may be meds.

Jim

[Buzby62]

I was in your position a few weeks ago, now I’m on the waiting list for cryoablation. I’ll attach a pic of what I took with me, I’ve cut out a few questions about explaining previous test results. My EP was excellent, I can still change my mind but the advice is for me to go for it.

Questions

[50568789 in reply to Buzby62]

Thanks for letting me see that. Had appointment, EP believes all points to best interests option being cryoablation . Now on waiting list. Decision made, bring it on!

[secondtry]

My cardiologist does not favour PIP. and I can't disagree as Flecainide 100mgs/ twice a day has worked for 10 yrs. I see the logic of having an early ablation and probably EPs prefer this action as their success rate is likely to be higher.