Have you had radiofrequency ablation for arythmia; SVT, AVNRT?

Question

I am due an ablation for AVNRT later this year and I would love to know of other peoples experiences?

Answer 1

I not only had Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for AVNRT, I am an electrophysiology nurse and assist with these procedures very frequently. The procedure is normally a very safe and reliable alternative to long term pharmacotherapy. Of course there are always risks involved in any invasive procedure as I am sure your physician has discussed with you. In my case I chose the permanent cure over a daily medication regimen that didn't really seem to be helping at all. I had mine done in 2002 and have had absolutely zero recurrences of my tachycardia. Went in early that morning and watched my son play baseball later that evening. Of course,much depends on the operator. I would do my homework about the skill of the physician ( make sure the MD is board certified in Electrophysiology), number of cases annually, training of staff, etc. Good luck and hope all turns out well.

Answer 2

I had the electrophysiology studies and was found that my condition was too complicated for a straight forward ablation. But I know that its a simple procedure with few risks. You will have an electrode threaded through the artery in your leg and into an artery in your shoulder into your heart and they will then locate the problematic area then simply laser it. You will have a sedation and local anaesthetic and will probably be in hosp overnight and then need a week from work to recuperate. I was fine with the EPS with is the main part of the ablation and am possiblt gonna have the ablation done later. You'll be fine. They will advice what medications you need to stop.

Good lucK, I hope you are feeling better soon.

Answer 3

Here is an interesting article I have searched for you, don't be surprised:

Radio frequency catheter ablation is a medical treatment that uses electrical energy to destroy - or ablate - tissues in the heart that are causing rhythm disturbances. As well as being used to treat Wolff Parkinson White syndrome, the procedure might also used for treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT - the condition Tony Blair was recently treated for); atrial flutter; atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT); unifocal atrial tachycardia; atrial fibrillation; ventricular tachycardia (VT); symptomatic monomorphic VT; and AV junction ablation for poorly controlled ventricular rates (usually as a secondary choice if drugs do not work). In some cases the procedure might also be used on patients displaying symptomatic drug-refractory idiopathic sinus tachycardia, and junctional ectopic tachycardia.

BEST OF LUCK, HEY, DON'T FORGET TO SEND ME A POSTCARD.

Answer 4

radiofrequency ablation isthe scientific care of determination if there are abberant pathways (electical conduction) that deliver approximately SVT. Its nothign yet cuttting off the added superb conduction pathways. i could strongly recommedn ablation if the electrophysilogical learn advise existence of abberant pathways