atrial flutter ablation

[lambretta1968]

hi, I've been given a date for my ablation in November, I was hoping for a general anaesthetic but I haven't been giving that as a option. Should I try and speak to the consultant or keep my appointment for the day procedure. I know I'll be sooooooo nervous , I'm already starting to fret about it 😮‍💨

[Karenjaninaz]

Because I have asthma, the surgeon was adamant that I get general anesthesia. This is because, working by the pulmonary veins can stimulate coughing. So they gave me general anesthesia and I did fine. I had the newer pulse field ablation which takes much less time than the older techniques. I am 82. (Retired nurse anesthetist US)

Tell your surgeon your concerns.

[lambretta1968 in reply to Karenjaninaz]

thank you , I haven't met the consultant, I'll try next tomorrow to get in touch

[mjames1]

Be careful what you hope for. General anesthesia is not without its risks , including cognitive issues, especially in the elderly. Given the choice, I would choose conscious sedation over GA whenever possible. Also keep in mind that in a flutter ablation is a much smaller and quicker procedure than a PVI.

Jim

[lambretta1968 in reply to mjames1]

thanks Jim

[Karenjaninaz in reply to mjames1]

I was hoping for sedation, for the same reason since I administered anesthesia for 37 years, but an asthma cough could be a big problem during this delicate procedure. I even told the surgeon. I never cough and don’t have COPD but have significant restricted scoliotic lungs despite corrective surgery. I was really afraid but they got me through fine and went home the next morning. I was 81 - April 15 procedure.

[Cavalierrubie]

l would prefer sedation over GA. It takes longer to recover from the after effects of GA and for the nervous system to recover, especially in the elderly. Maybe that’s why you haven’t been given an option. I wouldn’t worry too much, they will look after you well and they know what they are doing with each individual.

[lambretta1968 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

thank you 🙂

[Borderterriorist]

My daughter is an anaesthetist, I know her advice would be to avoid a GA unless it is absolutely necessary as it is not without it's risks. Just let them know that you are feeling extremely anxious and no doubt they will give you something that will settle you that is safer than a GA, will enable you to recover more quickly and generally won't leave you feeling ill the next day.

[lambretta1968 in reply to Borderterriorist]

thank you , I don't think I'll need to say anything, I'm sure when they see me they will know.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to lambretta1968]

You will be ok and in safe hands. Let us know how it goes. All the best.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Lambretta.

Don't fret - there's no need. Your header says it's for flutter. The success rate for ablation to treat flutter is very high. Like the other posters, I would go for sedation rather than GA. During my last stay in hospital, I had sedation when I had a camera thrust down my throat and into my lungs. I didn't feel a thing and didn't even know they were doing it. It was quite fun being sort of semi-conscious but still in fairyland. I asked for a high dose of sedation and it really worked. You'll find it just the same and will look back and wonder why you were so nervous about having it done.

You'll be just fine. That's a Paul Promise.

Paul

[lambretta1968 in reply to Paulbounce]

thank you Paul 😁

[Mollydex]

hi. I had sedation and remained relaxed through out the procedure. They also gave an Iv opioid. To be honest I don’t remember most of it. They will want you to be as relaxed as possible.

[lambretta1968 in reply to Mollydex]

thank you , sounds good

[50568789]

Your apprehension is understandable, but the actual experience of cryoablation was totally reassuring, very well looked after and no problem with sedation.

[Ppiman]

I had a GA and wouldn't want other but many here have reported their positive experiences without. The way the NHS is struggling these days, there is a shortage of anaesthetists and if you opt for GA, I suspect you will be waiting much longer.

It is a quick and successful ablation by the way, so you can look forward to that.

Steve

[lambretta1968 in reply to Ppiman]

cheers Steve , that's what my wife said ... I'll have to wait longer probably and has bigger risks

[Ppiman in reply to lambretta1968]

Always trust a woman, and most especially a loving wife. They know best and can, by their very nature, never be wrong. At least that's what mine tells me (and, as I say, she can never be wrong!).

Steve

[SnowQueenOne]

Hi lambretta1968

For what it's worth I had sedation when I had my ablation and I'd rather go through all that again instead of having a tooth out with local anaesthetic.!! You will naturally feel anxious, as did I but once the sedation took effect I was so relaxed the worries melted away. TBH I don't remember much at all and just slept it off once I got into my bed and as others have said on here, recovery is quicker tgat with GA. Speak to your consultant about your concerns. All the best

[lambretta1968]

thank you , the advice on here from everybody has helped .

[Shcldavies]

Don't think your the only one, it really is an ordeal trying to keep a rational head when you have an ablation to look forward to. That is what you must do, look forward to it, its not easy, in fact its very difficult but you have to remember that you will be delighted afterward, much better than wining the Euromillions. I know I have been there (ablation that is, not manageed the Euromillions yet but it simply cannot be better than getting a norml life back). Having the ablation is not good but not as bad as you think, the recovery will probably be worst than you think but there are no garantees as many do get over it in a week or so. Realistically it will take months for full recovery and the first week or so will be so important to let your body heal. Please feel free to read my detailed report on my AFl ablation which I posted at the time (Feb 2019). Also worth remembering that an AFl ablation is the easiest, shortest and with the greatest success rate

[Cassag]

I have had an ablation for flutter under sedation. You get a local anaesthetic in the groin and then sedation through a cannula in the arm. Didn't feel a thing just dreamy and aware of all the monitors. Had to lie flat for the next three hours after so the worst part was a full bladder. Overnight and home next morning. Take it easy for a few weeks after. don't expect too much whilst heart heals.

[Jajarunner]

I've had ablations under GA and one under sedation. Both were fine. All were day cases. Don't be scared, the teams are wonderfully caring x

[Leggylady]

The same happened to me. I kept the appointment and was glad I did. I was stressed and nervous but it was absolutely fine. I fell asleep for most of it anyway. Don’t worry - it will be fine.

[Karendeena]

Keep the appointment. I had an ablation in March for Afib and flutter under sedation. They give you a cocktail of drugs and you won't be aware of most of it ❤️

[PICCASO]

I didn't have a general all went well don't remember anything. You'll be fine

[Easternmost]

I was terrified - the ‘gin & tonic’ as they called the sedation worked a treat and I remember chatting away and telling the doctors & nurses that I loved them! That was an ablation for flutter. Wishing you all the best.

[Dancerbraveheart]

You have the right to request this and could always use another surgeon if they refuse.

[Redactrice]

I'll add my voice in support of local anaesthesia + sedative. I had my ablation seven weeks ago and it was absolutely fine. I deliberately left my glasses behind on the ward so I could not see clearly, but there were also two transparent balloon-type things floating above my torso, blocking my view. I don't know if they had some other purpose or only to keep me from watching in case it scared me. Anyway, I was very nervous in the run-up but it was really much easier than I expected. Try not to fret. Good luck!

[37Polly]

GA is not without risk. I had PFA 8/23/24 and so far am delighted with afib and aflutter outcomes, however am still dealing with aftermath of GA…have had pneumonia, and now fluids in one lung and chest cavity. Have been hospitalized three times. And yes I am much older , 84, but had no other issues going into this. Doctors all say this outcome is not surprise, just rare. Not something that could be avoided. Do what your doctors recommend. Good luck. You will be happy.

[Philmodo]

I've had two ablations, the first for both flutter and afib. The second was a redo to just touch up a couple of afib leaks. I actually quite enjoyed the experience of being under sedation. An oddly blurred consciousness with no sense of time. I remember experiencing a little discomfort in my chest during the first one, and arching my back a bit, but they upped the dosage of something and I was out of it again! The whole experience both times was really not bad at all. I've been fine since, with nothing more than the occasional ectopic. I'd say don't worry, it won't be as bad as you think.