Av Nodal Ablation Opinions

[Gary3201]

Ok anybody out there with history on this procedure and thoughts? This has come up in conversation again as being the next step for  me. I have always been totally against this procedure because Its final no going back even with medical breakthroughs, it doesn't correct AFIB only masks the sensation in most cases, and the heart is still being damaged by the arhythmia So whose had it done who has researched it or have any general thoughts

thanks
gary

[PikaPika88]

Hi Gary, yes - I have my His bundle ablated at 1985.  My EP told all other doctors that I have my AV node ablated.  I have my av node ablated not because of un-controlable A-Fib.  It was for svt.  Honestly, at that time if I can get the info what is his bundle ablation, what is the long term effect?  (because I plan to live longer than 100 years old).  If I know it is the no return way, I WON'T DO IT!  They didn't tell me that I definately need a pacemaker after the ablation......  All they told me, after that I don't need to take medication, I might DON'T need a pacemaker.

He's expecting I'll get A-Fib later in my life.  When I told him 4 years ago, I felt my chest vibrating.  He told me it is ..... A-Fib.  Finally it comes.  I still have the sensation of A-Fib.  He prescribed few combo (medications) for me to take.  He also adjusted the pacemaker programme.  As I know, long term pacing the right ventricle can cause heart failure.

As you know, A-Fib remain fib in Atria.  It can't conduct to ventricle after the av node ablation so you won't feel much of it (you gain back the quality of life).  Many remain need to take blood thinner.  If you're young, how long you're expecting the right ventricle can non-stop pacing?  May be I won't die of A-Fib but then I'll die of heart failure.........

Let me know what's your thought?  Take care.

[twinbee]

My reg EP, and the EP that did my ablation at Univ of Penn told me that an AV node ablation is the very last resort to do, after all other options have failed. Also, even if you have an AV node ablation, it does not guarentee that the a-fib will be gone. Good Luck

[bcat]

I too was scheduled for an AV node ablation, but I canceled because it seemed too radical when they had not even tried to control my heart rate with drugs. My heart rate is now well-controlled with cardiazem and digoxin, but my cardiologist still insists that an AV node ablation would be better. I have received conflicting advice and really would like to know if I should get the ablation. If so, why?

[Gary3201]

Hi Jerry, Yes I am pretty anal and have done tons of research as I do when it comes to any of my health conditions or medications. My intent here was just to get first hand opinions from those actual patients who have undergone the procedure why they made the decision and what they feel it did or didn't do for them. I appreciate your advise and feedback and always enjoy reading your posts.

gary

[Jerry_NJ]

This is just a "bump up" on the page 1, list.

There are some members of this community who have the experience you seek.  Perhaps one or more will respond while your post is on page 1.

I agree, from the little I know, that it is a big/difficult decision.  But from what I recall reading in the past (have you done a search of MedHelp on your subject?) the process will provide relief and keep a person alive and functioning.  I don't have the details without doing a research myself.

Here's an internal link you may find some helpful information on:
http://www.medhelp.org/search?query=nodal+ablation