ablation for atrial flutter

[blueheron]

Hi.
MD has proposed an ablation for atrial flutter- not an alcohol ablation but rather cauterization of ectopic focus in the atrium. EP study would be done at the same time.
Has anyone had this done?
Success rate in HCM?
Thank you for any answers.

[Lisa Salberg]

This is a rather common procedure for many people not just us HCM'ers. It can help in some cases to stop the atrial arrythmias. If it is not successful you can always discuss ablation of the A-V node and to become pacer dependent if the AF is a real problem. There are many meds to try as well.
Lisa

[Sarah]

Hi,

It is my understanding that flutter is not always a consistent arrhythmia, which would make an ablation very difficult. Consistent and arrythmia may sound like an oxymoron, but it actually isn't. For a PVI or RF ablation to work, your heart needs to do the wrong thing the same way each time.

Do you have HCM? They don't recommend these ablations for people with HCM b/c you can't ensure a good result --too many ways for the arrhythmia to just start up again from another location in the heart. Ablations are only recommended when you have a normal heart structure so they know that it will work right.

If you don't have HCM, then the success rates can be very good --assuming you have a rhythm it works for. Please visit the afib support group at groups.yahoo.com for lots and lots of info on these ablations.

However, if you do have HCM, I HIGHLY recommend seeing an HCM specialist to get your flutter treated with meds. THere are a lot of good ones available these days. You should also be on coumadin so you lower your stroke risk. Aspirin isn't enough.

Take care,

S




(PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS _NOT_ THE SAME AS AN ALCOHOL ABLATION FOR OBSTRUCTION.)

[Lisa Salberg]

Do you have HCM? They don't recommend these ablations for people with HCM b/c you can't ensure a good result --too many ways for the arrhythmia to just start up again from another location in the heart. Ablations are only recommended when you have a normal heart structure so they know that it will work right
Sarah - Not always so. Many people with HCM have had Radio frequancy ablations and are doing very well. This like many thing in HCM is highly individualized and requires careful concideration from someone who knows a great deal about the diisease.
Lisa

[faith smith]

12 years after HCM diagnosis, I had a radiofrequency ablation and owing to a newly detected lift-threatening arrhythmia, an ICD implanted at the same time. Six months later I had an AV node ablation because of a dramatic misfiring of my ICD, and I am now completely dependent upon my pacemaker. I was advised to do this by my doctors rather than to try treatment with medicines. This decision was made in a morning and with a sense of some urgency. I have the utmost respect for my doctors at NEMC, but I have had difficulty adjusting to the knowledge that a manmade thing keeps me going. This, coupled with the fear of another misfiring, has made me really quite uneasy for this last year. I am unable to explain this unease, but most people to whom I talk find this reaction perfectly normal.

[blueheron]

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question.
My 29 year old caughter does have HCM and the ablation is scheduled for tomorrow at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
We will let you know how it goes.

[Linda]

We'll be thinking about you all. Best wishes and let us know how things are going. Linda

[blueheron]

My daughter with HCM had the radiofrequency ablation done on 2/27/03 in the right atrium. The area ablated was about the lenth of a finger. Procedure took about 4 hours as a second EPS study showed that the first ablation had not cauterized completely the area causing the atrial flutter.
We will let you know how she does in the upcoming months and whether procedure was helpful.
She will have to remain on coumadin for at least 3 months more if no more issues with atrial flutter. MD is now asking her to consider ICD.
Thank you again for all your support.

[Linda]

Thanks for the update, I hope things are moving along smoothly for her. If her doctor has suggested an ICD, he must have good reason. The ICD is an insurance that can give you much of peace of mind in the years to come. Just keep asking questions till you understand completely, everything you and your daughter want to know. It's so nice that you are able to be there with her and advocate for her! Linda