pulse field ablation success story

[SeanJax]

I got a pulse filed ablation 3 years ago this July. Since then no more episodes and no medications. The lessons I learned were the followings:

- the EP counts more than the technique itself. It was performed by Dr Natale of Austin, Texas. It was done as part of Medtronic trial. I accepted to be part of the trial knowing all the risks . Even had it not worked I would go with a RF ablation later. To my surprise it worked well. No episodes since then

- The recovery period was a cake walk. No complications whatsoever although I did respect all the recommendations of rest and medications as it were a RF ablation.

- To maintain the good results of the ablation I follow strictly the life style changes. So boring to list out here: no alcohol, no smoking , no coffee or tea. Keep A1c normal or under control. Blood pressure also under control as well as lipid panel. Maintain a good BMI, good healthy diet as much fiber and fish as possible and avoid processed food. It is up to each one to define a good diet. Stress level as low as possible as well as no sleep apnea and 7 hours of sleep a night. The critical point is the daily exercise which is in my case 3 to 4 miles walk a day at my own rhythm and some bike and strength training.

I know success story is not fun to read and I am ready for the next ablation in case Afib returns. And Afib as we all know is an unpredictable beast.

[lovetogarden]

That’s great to hear! Glad you had an opportunity to do the trial. And having it done by Dr Natale must have been reassuring. I’m waiting for Pulsed Field to be more widely available in the US. My RF afib ablations were successful, but the area I need to have ablated to get rid of my tachycardia is right over a nerve. The last EP study I had, found the spot, but it was obvious the using RF or Cryo was going to damage the nerve. Hoping that there’s a chance that the pulsed field technology may be able to kill those cells without damage to the nerve. (And of course that we can convince my insurance plan to approve it!)

[mjames1 in reply to lovetogarden]

The last EP study I had, found the spot, but it was obvious the using RF or Cryo was going to damage the nerve.

Pulse Field Ablation uses a blunt instrument compared to RF or focal cryo and so at least for now is primarily only used on the pulmonary veins. So if the spot is outside of the pulmonary veins, if you haven't already, you might want to check with an ep if PFA is a realistic option. If not, maybe a highly skilled RF practitioner like Natale might be able to help.

Jim

[secondtry]

...and more good news with those lifestyle choices likelihood is you will avoid other chronic conditions when you reach old age!

[Jajarunner]

Brilliant to hear a good news story for once. My fourth is due and I'm having pulse field 🤞. The others lasted on average four months so perhaps this will be better 🤞🤞🤞🤞

[mjames1]

the EP counts more than the technique itself.

Thanks for posting and congratulations on your success.

As to the EP, versus to the technique, I tend to agree with you, however, one of the advantages of Pulse Field Ablation (PFA) is that it is less EP dependent, then cryo and certainly RF.

What does seem to be important is that the ablation be performed at a high volume center. As with many things practice does make perfect, or let's say is perfect as you can get.

Jim

[Millbrook]

Wonderful to read your good report and that it has been 3 years. My husband had his PFA 15 months ago and it’s been great. May you have complete healing and no need for further treatment.

[Rainfern]

Thank you Sean for posting your good news and lifestyle changes - a timely reminder as I was beginning to take my good ablation result for granted and letting diet slip a bit. Keep on being well!