CT Scan prior to Abalation

[Murphy10]

Hi,

I was wondering whether you need to have a CT scan prior to an ablation.

I have seen 2 EPs and 1 indicated that I need no further tests prior to ablation and the other wanted a new CT scan. They both seem to be very experienced EPs.

The EP that did not require the CT scan uses a Cartonet Complete System so not too sure whether this makes it not necessary. Some of studies I have read also mention that a CT scan does not improve success results.

Would be interested on anyone who has recently undergone an abalation and whether they had a new CT scan prior to the procedure.

Thanks All.

[mjames1]

I had one prior to my Cryo-PVI. It gives them a preview of the pulmonary veins. Fairly common protocol in the US.

Jim

[Murphy10 in reply to mjames1]

Thanks Jim,

I am sought of confused which EP to go with. One uses a new mapping system and not sure whether he does do a CT scan on the day of the procedure. He said I need no further tests prior to the abalation. The other EP wants a CT scan prior to the abalation. He may be more experienced. As I am in private health insurance I can choose either one. It is hard to tell their success rate with the procedure as this is not published.

[mjames1 in reply to Murphy10]

I just know that they often require a CT scan in the US prior to a Cryo ablation. Not sure if it would be required prior to an RF ablation. And yes, it is very hard to choose one ep over another without published data. You do, however, want to go with someone that has done thousands of applications not hundreds.

Jim

[Murphy10 in reply to mjames1]

Thanks Jim,

One EP that appears to be more experienced however is booked out until April where the other EP can get me done in a couple of weeks.

I just want to get it done rather than the burden of Afib episodes and then continuing to wait. I know in the scheme of things waiting is probably the better option. I will ask the EP that can get it done sooner how many he has done. In Australia we have a smaller population than the US and AF seems to be not as common. There is only a dozen or so EPs in Sydney.

[etheral]

Couldn't hurt..better delineate the anatomy. Won't be done on the day of the ablation. Best etheral

[BobD Volunteer]

Depends on your EP. I had one prior to one of mine as EP said it gave him a better picture of my heart. I understand he superimposes the CT over the x ray picture during the ablation.

[Murphy10]

Thanks. I think he indicated that he sees no need as it does not really help and at my age and fitness level it just exposing me to unnecessary radiation. Apparently he uses the most up to date mapping system and has led research in developing new type of catheter.

[jeanjeannie50]

I had one before my first ablation. It wasn't a regular CT scan but one that highlighted the heart area and I think dye was used.

Jean

[Frances123]

I didn’t have one before either of my ablations but did have the mapping with the second one - cryoablation.

[Desanthony]

Its just a difference in the way the two EP's work. Everyone works differently and different hospitals will also work differently.