ablation

Posted By linda on February 21, 1999 at 14:59:14:







My husband is 55, diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy 3 years ago.  Put
on transplant list but removed after MUGA showed improvement.  Atrial
fibrillation persists. No further drug options.  Defibrillator installed
24 months ago with approx 40 firings caused by the AFIB.  All our input
suggests ablation and activation of pacemaker within the currently
implanted defibrillator.  Question: What is the difference between "heart
burning", mapping, ablation, etc.?  Is there a possibility with dilated
cardiomyopathy to correct the AFIB and not need pacing?  We also understand
that there will be less need for drug control, which we find favorable.
If ablation is done the electrophysiologist suggests that improvement of
the heart output is a possibility.  Comment please.
Thank you for your valued input.
Linda in Spokane, Washington, USA