Damaged Phrenic Nerve during Cardiac Ablation procedure

[Whitle]

Hello everyone,

I underwent a Cardiac Cryoblation 7 days ago today. During this procedure, I became extremely nauseous, to the point of very nearly vomiting on my back, and at the same time, had a severe, 10:10 pain in my right shoulder, a bowl was put by my left side and a nurse massaged my shoulder. As a result, I moved and the Surgeon damaged my Phrenic Nerve, which has left me with a diaphragmatic palsy and breathlessness. During this procedure I was acutely aware of everything going on, and had to try and control my anxiety by counting in my head and trying to use breath control. My query is this, should I have had enough sedation that I didn’t feel it was my job to control my anxiety, and also, should I have been in a position where the nausea and pain in my shoulder was so bad that I moved, during a procedure that requires the patient to be still? The procedure was stopped at this point, but the surgeon has said it ‘went well’ otherwise. However, I have been in AF with increased breathlessness since. Does anyone have any experience that may help me understand what has happened?

[wilsond]

Yes I had a similar experience. I had to shout to tell them to stop eventually as I was wide awake and when they did the flutter line it was excruciating. They did whack a lot of fentanyl in and I could stand it.I didn't have damage luckily. Perhaps a concern to raise with PALS service?

Understand how you feel!

[Whitle in reply to wilsond]

Thanks for your response, I’m sorry you had a pretty awful experience as well! I am currently writing down the chain of events and considering my next move. I have to have a ‘snip test’ to assess the damage to the diaphragm and I’ll take it from there 🙂

[Staffylover67]

Hi, I’m sorry to hear about your experience.

I had something simular, I had ablation back in September, I found the procedure stressful as I had a bleed and they had to put me out.

The recovery depends on the individual as we’re all unique. I’ve suffered with breathlessness since the procedure.. I’m ok walking on flat but not slopes, hills or stairs.

I see a consultant end of January, I’ve got a feeling that they will advise another ablation?

I’m not sure how ill feel about that.

I’ve read very positive posts on ablation, I think I just feel a bit disappointed with mine as the recovery is slow for me and has it worked or not is the question?

Your ablation is very new, as they said it went well, which is positive 😊

[JLT1976]

Good luck pursuing this. I had an SVT ablation Friday before last so am 8 days post procedure. I don't feel good and am struggling with breathing and chest discomfort. Way worse than the SVT to be honest. I was so uncomfortable ìn the procedure and anxiety over took me to such an extent that I was tapping the side of the bed. The consultant snapped at me. Being fully aware, I was able to hear/see everything. I heard him ask one of his assistants if he had damaged one of my nerves but there was no reply from anyone. I asked him afterwards and he said no but spent less than ten seconds with me yet several minutes feeding back to the other 2 patients. I am concerned that he actually did damage one of my nerves hence how I feel. I did also notice that CCTV was directly focused on the bed/table so I am guessing you would also have had your procedure recorded. Perhaps ask for the footage so you can track back. If I don't pick up soon then I will be doing exactly that...good luck!!

[Gerry15]

Very long shot, but I found out I was allergic to a certain type of ‘conscious sedation’ which resulted in uncontrollable vomiting, even though I had no food in my stomach. (It was during c section) Many years later when having my pacemaker fitted the surgeon wouldn’t allow me any pain relief except intravenous paracetamol. Very traumatic, but I wasn’t nauseous. I sincerely hope you are recovering well.