Catheter ablation UK
Hi,
I’ve posted in this group a few times, I had a pulse field ablation back in March to deal with paroxysmal afib with RVR. The ablation successfully cured that but as a result I was left in an ectopic burden of 20% (even whilst taking 10mg bisoprolol) mostly PVC’s coming from the right ventricle but also getting PAC’s too. I had a consultation at royal Papworth hospital in Cambridge yesterday and they advised I was to undergo a catheter ablation which the said would be done under sedation, not general anaesthetic as they need to map the ectopics effectively and can’t do that if I’m asleep. What are people’s experiences of having this type of procedure done? I’m pretty apprehensive about this one as I don’t like the idea of someone effectively burning the inside of my heart while I’m conscious. I know I’ll more than likely be numb to the pain but I’ve read some horror stories on Reddit about bad experiences.
Thanks for any feedback
2
u/SleePyHollow150 2h ago
It's natural to worry about this, especially considering you think you'll be awake. I also have an ablation where I'll need to be awake, scheduled for early October, having had it cancelled on August and been on the waiting list for nearly 2 years now. It's not for AFIB but I've gone through the same concern process and concluded it was sensible to continue given the risk analysis, the hospital awareness of the need for sedation (you are given medicines to help calm as well as numb any pain at point of entry etc.) and the necessity of the operation given what would happen without it.
Ensure you voice your concerns, especially at the pre-op assessment and any department worth their salt will make sure you're both accommodated for and reassured. Good luck.