Latest Clinical Data for Pulsed Field Ablation

[OzRob]

It has been quite some time since my last post.

A recent study of Pulsed Field Ablation has some reassuring data for those sitting on fence regarding an ablation.

I was offered a Cryoablation earlier in the year which I declined, I am now booked in for a Pulsed Field Ablation on the 12th of November.

Procedure is about 1 hour and is very safe in comparison to RF or Cryo ablations.

Admin have consented to me posting this link so you can read the results from the study. news.medtronic.com/2024-09-...

Even though I have not had a single AF episode for 2 years since starting a low daily dose of Flecainide, it was explained to me then by my electrophysiologist that my pulmonary veins would still develop additional errant electrical circuits which the Flecainide is holding at bay. And one day, these newly developed circuits will one day break through and the dose of Flecainide would need to be increased.

An ablation would stop further electrical circuits from developing, and the success rate is much higher if the ablation is done sooner than later.

I just thought I would share my understanding of how AF progresses and why I have chosen to have an ablation now.

[wilsond]

That's very yseful and interesting information. I shall look at the link later.Best wishes Rob ❤️

[Buffafly]

I found the paragraph beginning ‘Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common and undertreated….’ particularly significant, and I don’t believe they are saying that just to promote Medtronic equipment. It’s an excellent summary and worth quoting to every newbie I think.

[Pommerania78]

What is your dose of Flecainide? Thanks.

[OzRob in reply to Pommerania78]

50mg twice daily.

[mjames1]

it was explained to me then by my electrophysiologist that my pulmonary veins would still develop additional errant electrical circuits which the Flecainide is holding at bay. And one day, these newly developed circuits will one day break through and the dose of Flecainide would need to be increased.

While surely possible, I'm not sure I buy the above, but PFA will hopefully get your off the Flecainide and any nodal blocking agents if any. That was one of my motivations to get an ablation.

All the best with the PFA.

Jim

[OzRob in reply to mjames1]

Hi Jim,

Flecainide does not stop progression of AF. Hence the term 'Break through' and why people sometimes require a higher dose of meds to control AF That is my understanding from reading and advice I have received.

[Pommerania78 in reply to OzRob]

I'm interested in knowing what lifestyle changes you made, including weight loss, etc., in addition to the medicine you took? You said that you have not had any episodes yet in two years. Thanks.

[OzRob in reply to Pommerania78]

No changes at all, still drink beer and red wine daily. When first diagnosed with AF I was told it was due to alcohol, so I stopped drinking for 3 months. Made no difference whatsoever. I have vagal AF which may be the reason.