radio frequency ablation & afib

[cynthiaG]

has anyone had any success with radio frequency ablation for afib ?

[jim newaygo]

Re: radio frequency ablation & afib

My cardiologist is leaning tward an radio wave ablation for me. I'd like to know more about it.

[Dorothy]

Re: radio frequency ablation & afib

Hi, Cynthia

I know I have written to you before concerning this subject. It will be two years on Apr. 26 that I had my third radio-frequency ablation at The Cleveland Clinic. I can say that I am very happy with the results. I have been a-fib free thus far.

Blessings,

[jim newaygo]

Re: radio frequency ablation & afib

why 3 radio wave ablations? did the first 2 work in a limited way or short time only? how common is this as a solution to a problem?

[Darek]

Re: radio frequency ablation & afib

I am going for my 4th ablation in Cleveland this August by Dr. Natale. Well I've two here in Phoenix and one in Cleveland. The first two I was on Amiodarone which "masks" the atrial flutter but the third I was clean and it worked for about 6 weeks before a slow flutter reared it's ugly head. I was put back on Amio which has helped thus far but I have to stop taking it in 2 weeks so it will be out of my system by August.

I have extremely bad symptoms when I'm in flutter so if this 4th attempt doesn't work I'm going to request a MAZE procedure because I simply cannot function in flutter. I might as well be dead.

[tommysgirl]

Re: radio frequency ablation & afib

Tommy had an RFA in 2003. We opted for the procedure to get him off amiodarone. The "amio" was starting to raise his liver enzymes and cause a worse cough. It worked wonders for him. He controled the sinus tach with toprol xl until 2006. When he began to have increased symptoms with the HOCM. I know of several people who have had this procedure for either a-fib or tachycardia. It has worked well for all of them.

God Bless!
Sherry

[Sarah]

Re: radio frequency ablation & afib

Please use the search function (link in the red bar in between New Posts and Quick Links) to find older threads about RFA. Be sure to specify afib or fibrillation in your search terms or you will get a lot of entries about alcohol septal ablation which is a totally different procedure.

RFA in HCM patients is a case-by-case situation. In NON-HCM patients, it is successful 90% or more but can be 50/50 in HCM patients due to the physical structure of the walls and muscle in an HCM heart. Many HCM patients who go this route get it done and re-done, as posted above, for this reason.

Please see an HCM specialist to be evaluated appropriately. The HCMA office can help you find someone.

S