Ablation for SVT & sedation

[HowMyHeartSings]

My cardiologist said he favours minimal sedation during a catheter ablation which makes me all the more hesitant to consider it. I’m very anxious about my ability to get through the procedure as he says for success minimal sedation is necessary. It’s early days for me but have to find ways of addressing my anxiety. I’m already very unsure that using Bisoprolol for life will suit me given the side effects I’ve experienced so far of sluggishness and sleep deprivation.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Basically my understanding is that the lower the level of sedation the less the chance of respiratory issues. Your cardiologist is only trying to protect you. There will be a team in attendance and they will administer further sedation or any other drug as necessary. Stop worrying and do not Google!

[not2worry]

MichaelJH is right. Minimal sedation has been found to be most beneficial for the overall recovery of patients. After the procedure you’ll likely only to recall bits and pieces of the procedure.

The other benefit is not experiencing the side affects of full anesthesia on the brain. Anesthesia can linger in the brain for months affecting memory, causing nightmares and restless sleep.

Sounds like your medical team is well experienced in ablation. Likely will give you a mild anti-anxiety med before they start the procedure.

[isobelhannah18]

I had minimal sedation for an angiogram and I just floated away with no anxiety at all! I couldn't really remember anything afterwards.

[17Nevil]

I have had an ablation and a crt-d fitted with just locals - I can assure you there is absolutely nothing to it .

You can't see what they are doing but while having the crt-d fitted I was watching the wires being moved inside my chest on a big screen - the same one the surgeon was using

Don't worry if they want you to have it you will be a lot better for having it done