Conscious Ablation procedure

[SeatonRover]

Hi everyone

I've not posted for a while, but am an active reader.

I am on the waiting list for an Ablation, but was surprised to learn that although sedated, I will be conscious throughout the procedure. I had assumed that I would be under a general anaesthetic so the prospect of having a wire up from my groin to zap my heart does sound a bit scary. What does it feel like??

[10gingercats]

I had a hole in my heart closed with sedation......no problem.It took about an hour and i did not feel anything so I am not surprised you are to have an ablation with sedation. In my case they entered through my groin and fixed the device through the hole and closed it that way.

[SeatonRover in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks gingercats - hopefully my ablation will also be quick and painless

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association]

Hello,

Thank you for your post.

I would like to direct you to our Preparing for an Ablation for atrial fibrillation information sheet. It contains supportive information that I do hope you find helpful: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

If you would like any support, advice or further information in the meantime or after the ablation, please do reach out to our Patient Services Team via Patient Helpline or via email, please visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

We are always here if you need us.

I hope the procedure goes well.

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin

[SeatonRover in reply to HollieAdmin]

Many thanks Hollie

[jeanjeannie50]

I had my first two ablations in 2011 and 2013 with just sedation, the first lasted 3hrs and I didn't really feel anything.

The second was 6 hrs and having to lie there all that time was a nightmare. A nurse was watching me and every time I became aware would signal for more sedation. My EP kept apologising for it taking so long. I never found out why that was but the person due after me had his ablation cancelled.

My third in July 2016 was with a GA and to be honest I far preferred that.

Jean

[SeatonRover in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean - hopefully mine will follow the lines of your first one!

[50568789]

My experience was that technically I was conscious under sedation but in reality I was out of it, away with the fairies.

[SeatonRover in reply to 50568789]

Many thanks - I could live with that, especially as I've not had a drink for 2 years! I just hope I can lie still for a couple of hours.

[Sean711]

I had Pulse Field Ablation last week. I spoke with my anesthesiologist for 10 minutes to discuss the procedure and his role. I was out for the entire procedure. I awakened while being taken to recovery. I can't imagine being awake at any point during this procedure. From what I understand you should be under the entire procedure. This was actually a concern which I discussed with both my Cardiologist and Anesthesiologist because sometimes when initially going into a-fib I get full body tremors that can be moderate to severe and last up to 30 minutes. This was reduced significantly leading up to the procedure because I believe losing 30 pounds and exercising helped a lot with my a-fib. Also, cut out alcohol entirely.

[SeatonRover in reply to Sean711]

Thanks Sean. Well done on the weight loss - great achievement