Sinus Node Modification

[acidicbase]

Hi guys!
I'm a little late on freaking out that I'm having a heart procedure in 2 days!
Been so distracted and now I feel really overwhelmed.

I have Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia with an average HR of 100 sitting and 150 walking.
I suffer with moderate hypotension also, so I can't take beta blockers and I'm too sensitive to hypotension medication with my HR.
SO.
I'm getting a Sinus Node Modification since my job requires me to stay on my feet and help MY own patients not fall on theirs!

I tried researching this, but my EP said that he won't be going through the femoral vein like a normal ablation, but will be going under my sternum epicardially?
Not sure why.

My real question is do I get to wear underwear or will I be having a urinary catheter for this procedure??

Also, does this run the risk of endocarditis? I have a prolapsed tricuspid valve, moderate to severe and I was told that I am prone to endocarditis, so I'm kind of worried.

[tom_h]

My electrophysiology procedure was the first time that I had a urinary catheter.  I remember waking up in that initial stupor, and thinking that I felt really hung down there.  I reached down and felt the area and the darn thing felt like it was crated up for shipment!  It was wrapped up in gauze and adhesive tape.  I must have had a WTF! look on my face as the recovery room nurse leaned over and explained that I had been catheterized while I was sedated. Oh...ok...

Back in the short stay cube, the nurse there prepared me for the "withdrawal ceremony".  Wow!  She was quick, but it felt like a garden hose was being pulled out.  Not painful, but definitely an uncomfortable and odd sensation.  Your profile indicates that you're "male".  If so, prepare yourself for that as well as the "silent scream" the first few time that you have to pee.  That was perhaps the most painful event of the entire ablation procedure.  Good luck!

[acidicbase]

Well my EP doing the surgery is the first EP in USA to perform an epicardial ablation, so I guess it makes sense that thats the route he wants to go.
I was referred to him to do my surgery since he is most experienced to do the modification, so I should feel safe. Unfortunately my heart journey started in March and every time there has been a procedure, they found something else.
I have a left sided superior vena cava too, so he told me my IST could most likely be hiding another heart problem, woo!!!!

I had a 9 hour long spinal surgery when I was 14, and I went in with hospital underwear and came out with nothing on, but that catheter haha.

I don't know why I worry so much about urinary catheters, but I do! haha.
Must be because I work in the OR every now and then I always see the patients legs spread and naked before their procedures. I'm a little modest.

[tom_h]

I believe the epicardial approach is a rather recent development in Sinus Node Modification,  This method allows the physician to access the earliest activation site not accessable thru the traditional endocardial approach.  The phrenic nerve can be separated from the activation site which is then delivered a burst of RF energy much lower than what's used endocardially.  I believe there is minimal risk of complications.  I think initially, the endocardial method was used.  If this procedure was a fail, then the epicardial method was used.  Perhaps your physician just goes this way now.

Foley catheterization use I think is determined by the length of time that you're in the lab and how much fluid is being delivered to you.  My electrophysiology procedure was around 5 hours, and I was catheterized while I was asleep, so I felt nothing.  The worse pain is in the following few days when you have to pee.  It burns!

I've had a number of surgeries over the years.  Everything from hernias to an adult tonsillectomy, to repair of broken bones and torn ligaments from sport injuries.  At no time was I permitted to wear underwear into the OR.  The only thing I wore in there was my birthday suit covered by one of those ridiculous hospital gowns.

[DeltaDawn23]

All questions you should have answered by your doctor or his staff.  Some hospital websites will post what you can expect from different procedures.  I haven't been asked to remove my underwear during any surgeries I've had.  Good luck!