PVC and bigeminies post-ablation - healing time?

[nanoart]

I am new to the forum, 58 y, moderately fit (used to swim 500-1000 metres, hike for 3-4 hours with 300-400m hills) had 10 weeks ago my second ablation for symptomatic frequent PVC (bigeminies, couplets, NSVT). First was semi-successful for 3 years.

The PVC temporarily reduced just before the ablation, but EP triggered bigeminies with isoprenilin and found and ablated focus in the left ventricle (first ablation was for the right ventricle) around mitral valve. The PVC returned during two weeks after RFA and then vanished for 5 weeks (completely - I have not had this for years and years), I was cycling, swimming and getting life back! Unfortunately - PVC returned with 16% daily load/ 30% hourly load 7 weeks after ablation (bigeminies, quadrigeminies, couplets) and increase during simple walk and loads. Now during 10th week - same - does it mean ablation fail or there is a chance the heart is still healing, especially as PVC did vanish for a few weeks?

So the key question - what is the time for healing and whether PVC can ramp up towards the end of healing? Also with this history - any hope that ablation may still work?

It is shame that those with successful outcomes less often come to the forums (that I fully understand :-)) and any views of past history are very appreciated!

[zottolo]

Hi! Unfortunately, I do not have the answer to your question - I actually have the same question! I have had my first ablation for frequent PVCs (+20.000) 10 days ago and I feel no improvement at all. In fact, I seem to have even more PVCs post ablation. My doc says I have to wait 3 months until scarring is completed... but she is already mentioning that a second ablation might be necessary. Is there any hope for improvement?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[nanoart]

Dear Zottolo,

I do think that 10 days is too short! 3-6-12 months may be needed. I am checking with my EP whether ablation may do things worse - no other posts or papers suggest that though! Good luck! Nanoart.

[zottolo]

Thank you for your comment, nanoart... I will have to wait then and try to cope with these PVCs (until the next ablation). Bummer! Keep us posted on how things are going for you!

[nanoart]

Follow up - 14 weeks after second ablation, as PVC after week 8 were back with PVC load around 20% (18,000 in 24 hours) started on Propafenone - 150 mg three times a day. After two weeks at least I can lie down with almost no  PVC and slowly walk. sitting makes them re-appear, as well as faster walk, and emotional stress. Looks that might have to increase a bit more. Looking forward to second opinion and possibly to another EP for the next ablation.