Electro Cath...for PVC treatment

stixx · 05-12-2004, 01:27 PM

I forget the exact term that my cardiologist used for this, but hopefully i can describe it well enough for someone to recognize

i Just got off the phone with my Cardiologist and he brought this up as a possible treatment. I guess its when they give you a catheter, and "zap" whatever fiber in your heart is causing the PVC, or missed beat. They do this by identifying the fiber thats responsible for thees missed beats, and then they go in and zap it with microwaves

However he did say that there are some risks involved, and that it can make the situation worse.

anyone have this done??

test5629 · 05-12-2004, 01:55 PM

Haven't had it done, but perform the procedure- called radiofrequency catheter ablation. In lay terms, your description was pretty accurate- with the exception of microwaves- it is radiofrequency waves. In general , very safe. Risk of serious complications around 1% or below. All catheters usually palced from femoral vein/artery.

babag · 05-14-2004, 05:46 PM

i'm going to the u of m for this procedure. i have atrial fib and maybe atrial flutter. it's both fast beats and skipped beats. it is an overnight stay with more than a 85% cure if no complications. i've had skipped beats on and of since i was in my latter 30's. no i am 64 and want it done before my health perhaps gets worse and they won't do it. i have meds to take and they seem to work but i would like to get off the cumadon i take. in my later life my fibs seems to cause me to be a little dizzy and out of breathe. i just hope the artery they go thru to get to my heart isn't blocked by all those fatty meals.

stixx · 05-19-2004, 02:49 AM

well good luck babag, id love to hear what you think of the procedure and if it was successful for you

i wouldnt worry about your artery being clogged for them though, my cardiologist said that the go through the vein not the artery ( supposse its all the same though)

anyways good luck!!!

babag · 05-20-2004, 03:20 PM

i made it, the dr. says i'm cured. i have to take blood thinners and shots for awhile. now i know why they say they don't like to do this after 65 (i'm 64). those gasses they give you are sorta hard to get rid of but i just came home yesterday. he said he fixed the atrial fib and flutters. how wonderful. the only mark i have is on the groin about the size of a ball point clicker.