what is AV Node Ablation. Does it need a Pacemaker post opp

[Beeman]

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Beeman, the AV node which sits in the right atria is the main "ECU" of the heart and it distributes the electrical impulses which cause the heart to beat in a regular and organised fashion., Ablating or isolating the AV node means that there is no master control for the heart so yes a pacemaker is needed and the patient becomes pacemaker dependent.. I understand that the pacemaker would normally be fitted first and time given for the patient to get used to it before the AV node would be ablated. Usual caveat that I am not medically trained, just been in the game a long time.

BobD

[Beeman]

Thank you for the Info.

[TheStand]

Agree with Bob,

I have read many articles on this procedure and also have a friend that had it done many years ago. Unfortunately many who have this procedure performed still have AF. In one article they stated that the "Pace and Ablate" method will not stop AF but will make it more tolerable and many will require an Ablation after the procedure to stop the AF. There must be a reason for it but I just can't find the logical reason for doing this procedure unless there is other heart problems aside from AF. For myself, I would much rather try the normal ablation route first and would only accept the pace and ablate procedure if nothing else has worked. I would not want to be tied to a pacemaker for life, especially knowing that I would probably still have AF after the procedure.

Tim

[TheStand]

Beeman,

I forgot to paste the quote from the founder and CEO of stopafib.org.

"AV node ablation is typically the atrial fibrillation treatment of last resort and is used for that which is untreatable by any other means. It tends to be used in those elderly patients who are too fragile for catheter ablation. Most afib patients should exhaust all other treatments for atrial fibrillation before having an AV node ablation."

[Beeman in reply to TheStand]

The Stand

Thank you for your information. It was most helpfull, particularly the quote from the CEO of stopafib. I will be able to go into the meeting with the Consultant with a better understanding.of the alternatives involved.

I have been told that Catheter Ablation does not always work with one treatment, but may require 2 or 3. Do you have knowledge of this?

[TheStand]

That is correct. My EP gave me the following numbers. Considering I have had AF for almost 13 years lowered my chances that the ablation would completely stop the AF.... He said 65 to 75% chance that it would stop the AF and if a second ablation (Called a touch up) were required it would go up to about 80 to 90% chance.

I had my first ablation on 25 Feb and now 6 weeks later I am not having any attacks. I praying that it has completely stopped it. BUT I did have a few attacks the first few weeks after (which my EP said would happen) and instead of my normal attacks (which were really bad attacks) I could barely feel it happening. So there were immediate results after the ablation. I don't really know if I have had any for the last 3 weeks.... If so I could not tell.

Tim

[Beeman in reply to TheStand]

The Stand

Thanks again. Am I glad I came on this site. The information I am gaining will allow me to go into a meeting with the consultant, armed with the knowledge to make the best decision. The above stats are particularly useful.

[Beeman in reply to TheStand]

The stand

Something I forgot earlier.

What is an EP?

[TheStand]

Beeman,

Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who have additional education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. They specialize in the electrical functions of the heart where a cardiologist primarily deals with the mechanical functions. I saw a cardiologist for many years who said my heart was in good shape. I had no blockage, leaky valves or other physical damage so to him my heart was great and I had no problems. Except that it kept going crazy and would beat at 180 BPM.

Tim

[albyone]

The short answer is yes. Your life depends on the pacemaker. I had an av node ablation in January of this year and I am doing very well.

Edward

[Joanorange12 in reply to albyone]

I had an AV Node Ablation and Pacemaker implanted a month ago. After years of AFib and being on Sotalol 160 mg twice a day plus Wafarin, it was failing to help me through an episode. I went to the ER and when my Cardiologist came in -and many test during the day, he suggested beginning Amioderone which is a drug I had researched and learned of the many side effects and possibility of death or just not working. The other choice was the Pacemaker and AV Node Ablation. And yes I knew I would be dependent on the Pacemaker, however I am 82 years old and female. Six years of frequent rapid heartbeats, worry of a stroke, and not being able to participate in the wonderful things life still has to offer, gave me the strength to say yes to the Pacemaker and AV Node Ablation . So far I have my good days and weak days but I don't have anticipation of sudden AFib. I am getting stronger everyday, can drive and am limited in the amount of walking without shortness of breath, but that will change if get up and move. I am staying positive and looking forward to the births of two more Great Grandchildren. I am fortunate because my family lives close and encourages me, and I still live alone!