PFA Ablation

[Summerlily]

My cardiologist has suggested I have a Pulse Field AblationIt seems to be a relatively new procedure

Has anyone experienced this type of Ablation ?

Was the experience a positive one ?

[jeanjeannie50]

If you type Pulsed Field Ablation into the Search Health Unlocked box at the top of this page on the left it will throw up all the posts related to members here having them.

Jean

[Summerlily in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you Jean , will do that now !

[Racquet]

I was fortunate to have had a PFA just over 2 months ago. Fabulous! I was playing tennis 2 weeks afterward with my EPs approval. Go for it. What a weight lifted off my mind, body and spirit. I am 80 and ready to get back to travelling etc. with a happy heart.

[Summerlily in reply to Racquet]

Wow ! Thank you for your very encouraging reply .Do you still have to remain on any medication for the first few months ?

[Racquet]

After a month of no AF, my EP said I could stop taking flecainide, but stay on Apixaban. After 2 months, because of the factors of my age (over 80) and weight (60 kg), I could cut Apixaban in half. So that's all I'm taking is Apixaban 2.5mg in am and pm. Of course I keep up with various vitamins that I'd be taking anyway.

[Summerlily in reply to Racquet]

Thank you so much for your help RacquetIt sounds as if I am very similar to you in life style and even weight !

It would be great to be able to make arrangements without the fear of having to cancel due to an episode

Think I will go ahead , just find it a bit scary

[Racquet]

I am totally “white knuckled” at the dentist and no way a brave patient but going thru this PFA was pretty easy. Went to hospital at 7:30 am, was 2nd patient of the day around. noon, was in recovery from GA by 2:30 and (worst part) had to lie flat for 3 hours. That time made sure groin incision was ok and not bleeding. Left hospital about 6 and home at 7:30 pm. Don’t worry. Go for it. Summerlilly.

[Summerlily in reply to Racquet]

Okay , I think I will !I am told I have to come off Flecainide by the time I am 80 anyway , and that is the only medication that seems to work for me

Thank you for the warning about the three hours having to lie flat .These are the details that don't get mentioned

Very much appreciate your time and encouragement .

[iris1205]

Hi Summerlily,

I had a PFA ablation 9 months ago. It was my 7th ablation and I'd gone to Persistant...

It was / is successful. Some might call it "remission"!

With all the gratitude I have, it is being said - even by the EPs, the PFA isn't better in its ability to ablate than RF, BUT it seems it causes less collateral damage to the surrounding tissues. This in and of itself is great news, as many require repeat ablations. The PFA does seem to reduce damage to the surrounding tissues. The strongest advantage I believe is the operator's experience.

I had one PV which had reconnected and all the Cox Lines were ablated (again). One extra procedure was added to the ablation, ethanol ablation of the Vein of Marshall (left atrial oblique vein)and the ligament of Marshall. Since this is the major difference with regard to prior ablations I'm guessing this made the difference. I emphasize "guessing".

Hoping you find the solution which gives your relief- which ever path you take, find the best EP !