Would you share what ablation is ? For afib ?

[Nancy jane]

I could look it up on google - just too lazy & I like hearing all your thoughts If after - AVR - one tends to get afib - a- what percentage do u think -? And. B - how is it cured w- meds- and or ?

Going in- as I've mentioned 2-9 - getting as much info as possible. Go ! Thx.

 

[yotphix]

Hi Nancy,

I think almost everyone experiences some Afib temporarily after AVR, which is mitigated by a standard treatment of Beta Blockers for the post surgical period. Many of us are let off of them after a couple of months.

Ablation is a treatment for AFib, which I understand as creating scar tissue (relatively non-conductive) impediments to errant signals from the sinus node. I had it myself, and prior to surgery I asked the head of cardiology from a different hospital what he thought of the procedure. He said that it almost always works, and when it doesn't there are virtually no ill consequences so if you are suffering Afib and having a heart surgery anyway, you might as well do it while they're in there. When it is done via cath, there are sometimes complications, so it isn't necessarily quite as successful or event free.

Hope that helps a little,

Paul

Oh, I've had virtually no AFib since my AVR and Ablation, or Maze Procedure, though I used to have quite a great deal of it. And I should have also said that the scar tissue is normally created by intense heating with a little microwave emitting 'pen'.

 

[kfay]

Nancy, I think it is fairly common for a-fib to happen after heart surgery, but most of it is temporary and like Paul said, is usually controlled by medicines for a little while until your heart has a chance to heal. Paul mentioned having an ablation during surgery, they don't actually do an ablation during surgery, rather they can do a maze procedure, which is different than an ablation. A maze procedure is where they cut or freeze an intricate pattern in your heart that creates scar tissue to basically short circuit any odd arrythmias. An ablation is done through a cath, and they actually map out the electrical pathways, if you will, and try and pinpoint any areas in your heart that may be causing rhythm problems. They the try and ablate that tissue that may be causing the problems, or if they can't pinpoint the exact spot, they also may make a pattern around that area that is causing the problems to keep those signals from traveling further to effect your rhythm. I've had both and the maze has kept a-fib at bay, however, I had many other rhythm issues that I needed to go back and have 2 ablations about a year post op.

Hopefully, you won't need any of these procedures done. I think most people who have rhythm problems find they are short lived after surgery.

 

[Greg a]

How Web MD relates the two http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/treating-arrhythmias-ablation

 

[drivetopless]

My cardio said about 30% get afib after AVR.
Tomorrow is my 1 year valversary (yay!). The afib has not resolved on it's own. It is well controlled with tons of drugs. However, an ablation or two is in store for me in 2012 to see if I can get rid of some of those drugs.

 

[yotphix]

Paul mentioned having an ablation during surgery, they don't actually do an ablation during surgery, rather they can do a maze procedure, which is different than an ablation. A maze procedure is where they cut or freeze an intricate pattern in your heart that creates scar tissue to basically short circuit any odd arrythmias. An ablation is done through a cath, and they actually map out the electrical pathways.

http://www.cts.usc.edu/maze-medtroniccardioblate.html

It's not super important, but ablation is an acceptable term for the actual creation of the scar tissue by any of a number of methods, whether via catheter, or some variation of invasive procedure. In my own surgical report, the term used was 'radio ablation' and I the link above is to a description of the tool I understand was used. It uses radio frequency emissions, (microwave frequencies I believe) to generate enough heat to damage the tissue and stimulate the production of the non-conductive scar tissue. Some doctors may still cut, though that's a little old fashioned, others my use a 'cryo' or freezing tool. These technologies are relatively new, and the terminologies don't seem to be settled yet, but I think it's relevant to note that 'ablation' can mean many things, including an open heart Maze Procedure.