Pacemaker and AV Node Ablation

[Boomer85]

Has anyone had a pacemaker and av node ablation in their 50/early 60’s? If so, has it been successful?

[baba]

I see you have not had any response. Here's a link to a recent post on similar question.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Boomer85 in reply to baba]

Thank you!

[CDreamer]

Pace & Ablate is considered a last resort option and many cardiologists would be hesitant to implant pacemaker into someone young ie: under 60, simply because the batteries last about 10-12 years therefore implanting into someone in their 50’s would mean they may need 3-5 replacements in their lifetime. Each procedure carries risk of serious infection.

Having said that advances are happening all of the time and maybe someone, sometime may come up with an external recharger in the not so distant future.

[Boomer85 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you! I’ve been dealing with a very complex case of afib the past 5 years. During this time I’ve had 4 heart ablations so unfortunately at this point a pacemaker/av node ablation is my only option. Needless to say the thought of it makes me extremely nervous, however, I’m willing to take the risk for the hope of a better quality of life.

[CDreamer in reply to Boomer85]

Yes it was mine as well as I can’t tolerate any of the heart meds and had 2 ablations. I had the pacemaker implant done in 2018 - day case under local anaesthesia. I have a CRT - cardiac resynchronisation therapy - bi-ventricular pacing. From the moment it was implanted it sorted my AF, so much so I didn’t go ahead with the AV node ablation although if AF returns with a vengeance, which it did when I caught COVID, it is my reserve option.

Pacemaker gave me a quality of life that I couldn’t possibly have had without. I was 67 when I got the pacemaker. I know the idea of relying on a mechanical device to keep one’s heart going is scary, however, it was explained to me that they don’t ablate the AV node completely so should the unimaginable happen and there be a problem with the device, your heart will continue to beat just very slowly but there would be enough to keep you alive until help arrived.

I hope all goes well for you.

[Boomer85]

Thank you for your response but just to be sure I understand correctly you had an AV Node ablation after your bout with Covid?

[Nomis21 in reply to Boomer85]

Hi Iam 53 and underwent pace and ablate 2 years ago due to having Wolff Parkinson's White syndrome.

Can't say it's been a positive outcome, since the procedure I have struggled with energy levels, breathlessness and chest discomfort.

2 and a bit years on and I am in heart failure and permanent AFib.

Medication since my procedure, dapagliflozin, bisoprolol, ramipril, apixabam.

Have a 2 lead pacemaker.

Pacemaker controls my heart rate to 70bpm never goes any higher and when I monitor it my HR never gets below 65bpm, was purposely set as a HR any higher than 70bpm makes the AF worse, having a HR at 70bpm restricts me up on exertion and I struggle to walk far at a reasonable pace or do anything physical without feeling dizzy, breathless, shaky and physically weak, bending over and using stairs is hard.

Plan for me is for me to upgrade my current pacemaker to a 3 lead CRT pacemaker to reduce the risk of my left ventricle getting worse and to improve the pumping action, it's been mentioned that the two lead pacing may be the issue due to the ventricles not pumping in synchronicity but I'm no doctor but kind of makes sense.

Following on from the CRT pacemaker upgrade I may need a cardioversion to re establish normal sinus rhythm.

Battled on after the procedure but in my case things got worse, currently on sick leave and have an appointment next week with cardiologist to discuss the pacemaker CRT upgrade.

Please don't let my experience affect your judgement, also read success stories of pace and ablate, been told by the med staff I've been unlucky??

[Boomer85 in reply to Nomis21]

Thank you for your response and I’m so sorry you are still dealing with afib. I realize there are no guarantees so needless to say I’m extremely hesitant and nervous to pace and ablate but unfortunately my choices have expired. I’m trying to hold off as long as I can preferably until after the holidays but will have to see how things go.

[Hidden]

Dear Boomer85,

I hope you opened the link sent by baba. It’s far more representative of pacemaker outcomes than the response from nomis21, who has been through an ordeal that sounds awful. I feel bad for nomis21 and sincerely hope things start to look up.

I’m having a pace ‘n ablate next week. It can’t happen soon enough! Yes, I know there are no guarantees, but the odds are greatly in my favor that a pacemaker will improve my QOL, which is my only goal. The merry-go-round of ablations, rotating drugs and dosages, cardioversions (I had my 9th 3 weeks ago and already am back in afib and tachycardia) will come to an end. I hope and predict!

Yes, it’s a big decision, but for me it’s a no-brainer compared to the afib merry-go-round I’ve been on. A pacemaker gives me the chance to live a normal life. I’m taking it gladly and eagerly. Good wishes to you in making your decision.

[Boomer85 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much and good luck to you as well. We all want to live an enjoyable normal life. I hope everything goes well and your QOL is amazing. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Please keep me updated on your recovery status. I’ll be thinking about you. Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery.

[Hidden in reply to Boomer85]

Same to you!

[Hylda2]

I had mine at 78 after many years of AF. The av node ablation ensures that I don’t feel a think even though they tell me I’m in AF 100% of the time. Now nearly 81 and still called on to babysit the great grandchildren

[Boomer85]

So happy to hear this. Thank you!