Dorset Heart Centre

[Profound15]

Mentioned in a previous post that I’m considering a Pulsed Field Ablation. The above centre offers this type of ablation and I contacted them this morning. I was impressed by the way they handled my call, which was very professional. Has anyone had any involvement with them please. I’ve looked at reviews by patients but thought it made sense to ask the forum as there are so many experienced people out there.

It would be done privately so the cost is very significant. I’d need to speak to the EP who I would be aligned to so that I could determine success rates etc. but before I went down that road I’m hoping that I can get some feedback from you.

I would like to also consider a mini maze but don’t think it’s offered in the UK (apart from maybe Dr Hunter, Sheffield). Any information on this would also be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Teresa156]

Hi Profound15,

I don’t have any feedback unfortunately and it’s really good that you had a positive call with them. I read from your other posts that you have Aflutter and Afib together ( I do too).

A couple of months ago, I enquired at Royal Papworth about a PFA and they told me that it currently only tackles AF, not Aflutter or tachycardia, which I also have, ( the word ‘currently’ was used, which suggests other PFAs might do?) it might be worth asking them to verify this for you? I was disappointed and am now in the list for a cryoblation at my local hospital. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, that their PFA is different. I’d love to know the outcome as I read differing things on Google….

Royal Papworth isn’t my local hospital, but I knew they were one of the first to do PFA and were probably more local to me. I’m in the South East,

[Profound15 in reply to Teresa156]

Thanks Teresa. I’m afflicted with af only not aflutter. I do suffer from PACs as well and they were not pleasant over the weekend. I’ll give Papworth a ring and find out what the costs and timescales are. Think the advantages of PFA are in terms of potential problems. Seems to accurately hit the areas needed without damaging ‘good’ tissue from what I’ve read. Before doing anything I’d need to find out about success rates etc. though

[sunlovah in reply to Profound15]

Keep us updated please 🙏 ..

[Teresa156 in reply to Profound15]

Apologies Profound15,

I don’t know what made me think you had flutter….i do wish you every success in whatever you choose, the PFA sounds very promising 🤞all the reasons you mention, are why I would have preferred it,

[Profound15 in reply to Teresa156]

Not a problem Teresa. My first is a meeting with my cardiologist next week and then I’ll take it from there.

[sunlovah]

I phoned them also last week, to enquire if they took NHS patients (private procedure is beyond my budget)... sadly not. I believe that the Bournemouth hospital does PFA would anyone know anywhere else in the SOUTH U.K ?

[Buzby62 in reply to sunlovah]

As far as I know it was just Papworth and Liverpool, now Dorset Heart in Bournemouth. I think I’ve read somewhere that 4 places in the UK have it but haven’t found the 4th yet. I guess you would struggle to get on the NHS yet unless you were in one of those health board areas.

[Profound15 in reply to Buzby62]

I agree Buzby. Going private though is quite expensive but getting freedom from the symptoms would make it worthwhile. Thats the crux of it though

[Buzby62 in reply to Profound15]

I asked my EP about PFA in September, it’s not available here yet and there’s no evidence yet from the statistics that it’s any more successful than RF or Cryo. I must say though from what I’ve read about it being safer sounds attractive. As it stands I’m having Cryo next week on NHS. They’ve changed my date a few times.

[sunlovah in reply to Buzby62]

How long did you have to wait on list?

[Buzby62 in reply to sunlovah]

Been under cardiology since early 2021 when PAF was diagnosed, put on apixaban and a little bisoprolol and reviews every 6 months. The last review in July was after 13 months and referred to EP for assessment. EP consultation in September, advised to have ablation as signs of substrate change from the amount of AF episodes and although not usually very symptomatic, better to try and stop the progression. Opinion was not suitable for anti-arrhythmia drugs. Was told 4 months, then a call for early November but was postponed, now early December.

[sunlovah in reply to Buzby62]

Thanks. Wishing you well and speedy recovery.

[sunlovah in reply to Buzby62]

Dr Bala who works at the Dorset Heart hospital who does PFA privately also practices at the Royal Bournmouth hospital NHS , I'm making enquiries to see if after initial private consultation privately, he will be able to do it on NHS at Royal Bournmouth NHS, can only ask.

[Profound15 in reply to sunlovah]

That’s sounds sensible sunlovah.

[sunlovah in reply to Buzby62]

Found thisuhd.nhs.uk/news/latest-news...

[Profound15 in reply to sunlovah]

Good article thanks.

[sunlovah in reply to Buzby62]

Under NHS choose and book, you have a right to opt for any hospital which may suit if you wish.

[sunlovah]

Another option PFA also done at John Radcliffe in Oxford ....

[Profound15 in reply to sunlovah]

That’s interesting thanks for the info

[Chilbolton1]

I had my PFA at Bournemouth Hospital last week and am now recovering. Mine was performed by Dr Giresh Babu and his team. Everything went well and I was home next day, just a little sore in the groin . My care and treatment was the best and couldn’t fault them,. I have to go back in 4 months to see Dr Babu and before my appointment have an Echocardiogram and a 7 day monitor. All in all no complaints at all, love our NHS