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SVT Catheter Ablation

Posted , 10 users are following.

leese80
leese80

I have a pre-op appointment tomorrow for a catheter ablation procedure I am due to have in 3 weeks time. I was diagnosed with SVT in December 2015 after a 15 minute episode. In October 2016 I had a much bigger episode which lasted for several hours and I needed adenosine in A&E to get it under control. I am quite anxious about the procedure, particularly as the surgeon mentioned a small risk of stroke. I have 3 young children and I don't want to put myself at unnecessary risk when the episodes are so infrequent. I am just wondering if anyone has experienced something similar and can give me some advice? Many thanks.

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • geoff10274
    geoff10274 leese80

    Posted

    Hello,  I endured svt for five years and in December 2014 I had my ablation and since then I have not had a recurrence.  I am now 70 and am very active with badminton two nights a week and I have a huge garden.  They did tell me at the time that I had an otherwise healthy heart though.  If your medical experts believe an ablation is the answer for you then I believe the small risks involved are worth taking especially in view of the success rates.  Lots depends on your own condition, the type of svt and possibly where it is in your heart.  The procedure itself is no big deal, so for me it is all positive so far (touch wood).
  • cheryl84115
    cheryl84115 leese80

    Posted

    Hi. I'm waiting for this procedure too. I've heard far more positive than negatives about this procedure. I've read many, many medical reports which state there is less than 1% of risk during the procedure. Any procedure is a risk. I understand your concerns as a Mum as I too have 2 children. (grown) But at the end of the day, sometimes risks have to be taken and if the trade off is no more SVT, then I personally am willing to take that risk. I'm a bit put off about dr's triggering svt during the ablation but again needs must. I've had Svt 40 years and it's time to take my life back! i wish you all the best. Let us know how you get on.

    • ciaran33745
      ciaran33745 cheryl84115

      Posted

      Hi Cheryl. I know they did trigger SVT during my ablation, because they told me so, but I don't remember it. I'm not certain but I think they trigger it to identify the area of tissue to work on, then they work on that area, then they try to trigger SVT again and hopefully fail because you are cured. I think the induced SVT episode is usually of only very short duration. 

      Good luck with yours, I hope it works out as well for you as it has for me.

  • leese80
    leese80

    Posted

    Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all of your great replies. To answer some of the questions, I am 36, I have no other heart problems and I am not on any medication. I have only had 2 episodes in the last 15 months, apart from some flutterings. I recall having 2 episodes as a teenager but at the time the doctors thought I was having a mild asthma attack. It's only now that I realise it was due to the SVT. I think the doctor in A&E offered me an ablation because it was such a big episode, but having not had one since I am inclined to just wait and see how things go and try to manage things myself for now. I had my pre-op appointment yesterday with a lovely knowledgeable specialist nurse and after lots of discussion I told her I would like to postpone the procedure for now. She assured me that I can contact her at any time in the future should I feel it's the right time. Thank you again. This is a great forum!

  • ann82027
    ann82027 leese80

    Posted

    I am going to Barts hospital London to look into having an ablation, since i,ve been taking beta blockers i,ve been feeling a lot better.  I,ve had this for over 40 years but have had more frequent attacks as i got older plus the missed heartbeats would go on all day, i worked all my life,sometimes it was difficult with the palpitations.  I,m 69 and am unsure i i should have this procedure  because of the risks with my age, i was told i may need a pacemaker after.
    • leese80
      leese80 ann82027

      Posted

      Hi Ann. If it's any help, the specialist nurse I saw said that in the 8 years she has worked there she has only seen three people need a pacemaker - and they do 20 of these procedures per week.

    • ann82027
      ann82027 leese80

      Posted

      Thanks for your feedback.   I suppose they have to warn you of the risks.   People are telling me different things so i am still unsure whether i want to  go through with it.
  • Guest
    Guest leese80

    Posted

    Hello!

    I'm 25 and for the last 2 and a half years, I've been having drop attacks caused by SVT, which was diagnosed after having a loop recorder implanted in my chest. I've been urgently referred to barts to have an ablation too. I'm on 7.5mg of bisoprolol and due to this being quite a big dose of beta blocker and as I am young, I was advised to have the ablation. I work in theatre myself (orthopaedics) and although I am accustomed to the theatre environment and know what happens - I am still mentally trying to prepare myself seeing as I will be the patient and not scrub side.

    I've been referred to professor Richard schilling, I was told it will be 3 weeks to be seen - it's now nearly 3 weeks and had no communication. I'm hoping sometime soon I get a pre-op consultation.

    Good luck with what you decide smile

  • Lolasmom
    Lolasmom leese80

    Posted

    Hi there Leese,

    just wondered whether you have had your abalation yet. If so, how did it go? 

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