Amiodarone & catheter ablation

Can anyone tell me whether they had to stop taking Amiodarone some time before their ablation & if so was it an abrupt stop or did they keep taking it right up to the event please!

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Yatsura, while I can't confirm the above as I wasn't on that particular drug, I can tell you that every patient is different and every Electrophyiologist seems to have their own way of doing things. I was on a different drug but for all three of my ablations I stayed on it throughout and for several months afterwards but I know of patients who were told to stop their drugs straight after ablation. It all depends on the EP I think.. I also believe that a crash stop is not very clever since I was never able to do that and had to wean myself off over several weeks. You should also be aware that it takes about three months for the scar tissue which blocks the rogue impulses to form and all sorts of strange rhythms can be felt during that period.

I presume that you are on warfarin as well and again some EPs ask patients to stop this five days before the procedure, some then use clexane injections up to the day to maintain INR. There does not seem to be any common ground I'm afraid.

Usual caveat, not a doctor just a very experienced Af-er.

Bob

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Yatsura

Have you had your ablation yet? How are you?

I too am on Amiodarone and awaiting my second ablation.

Jean

[Hidden]

hi Jean, Yes I had my ablation 4 weeks ago ( 22 April ) . I have had a couple of blips but nothing much . It's lovely to have a normal heart rate . I was in Atrial flutter as i went into my ablation & am now back to my normal rate of 60/70 bpm. I took Amiodarone normally up to aweek before my ablation, and then stopped it completely as directed by my EP & have not been put back on it. I am taking 1.25 mg bisoprolol & of course warfarin which I expect to be on v long term . ( been on it for 10 years ). i have my follow up appt on 16 June .When do

you expect to have your ablation and how are you getting on with Amiodarone ?!

Sandra