Considering ablation

[Blancawestie]

84 yo male(just turned) living is US. I have an appointment next week to discuss ablation. I had my heart CT last week. I have been on Eliquis for about 4 years, had afib around once every 3 or 4 months now more frequent weekly. I am a little concerned about having the procedure at my age and if I do proceed what type of anesthesia. I am more prone to ask for GA I don't want to know what is going on. Any help would be appreciate

[Physalis]

I was 84 when I had mine done in 2020. I had a sedative or at least I thought it was a sedative, ketamine. I walked through to the cath lab and got up on the table and was awake while they were getting organised and then I went off to sleep and woke up as they were getting to the end of it. There was no pain but felt a sort of prodding sensation. In some ways I would have quite liked to have been awake.

With my hip operations I had an injection and went straight off and came to after it was all over.

With my eye operation I had a local anaesthetic and they drilled holes for their instruments and had a good dig around. It was quite interesting. Previously I was apprehensive about it but it was fine. I'm sure cataract surgery would be easy too.

I've had four surgical procedures in the past three and a half years and they were all ok. I've been lucky.

[mjames1]

First of all, in the US, you may not have a choice as most ep's use GA. However, if you are given a choice, I'd go with conscious sedation or MAC (monitored sedation) over GA.

Conscious sedation may (or may not) be more uncomfortable, but the drugs they use should clear your system more easily. I never had any issues with anesthesia in my 40's and 50's but recently in my 70's I found I could not clear the anesthesia drugs very well and felt the afterveffects for many months after my ablation.

Jim

[CaryPotter2]

my doctor always uses general. get a doc that does 100’s of ablations every year and discuss age related risks with them.

[mav7]

I am a little concerned about having the procedure at my age and if I do proceed what type of anesthesia

The doctors will also be concerned and will give you the proper anesthesia with a professional anesthesiologist present. Your appointment next week should answer your concerns. Also, the heart scan you took will provide valuable info for the doctors.

Have all other means been exhausted to return you to permanent NSR ? (cardioversion, antiarrythmic drugs, etc)

[Blancawestie in reply to mav7]

Nothing other than PIP. I take two when I am in Afib and about one hour later another if it has not subsided. After the third one it usually take less than four hours to be back in sinus rhythm. I currently am having an episode about once every two weeks They don't last long enough for cardioversion. Dr has not mentioned drugs yet. I initially was considering Watchman but he thinks stopping afib from happening is best for me. I just need to get of Eliquis I have also heard a lot about negative side effects form arrhythmic drugs

[mav7 in reply to Blancawestie]

May I suggest writing your concerns on a list and discuss with doctor at your appt next week. Also, do some googling on afib, medications, and ablations. Members here can relate their experiences/opinions but are not familiar with your medical history/condition.

Your doctor is a professional who best knows your medical history and the path forward.

As BobD often says, any and all treatment for afib is for quality of life. So the treatment you choose is for a satisfactory quality of life Best to You !