AV conduction after av node ablation

Doctor,

I wish to know somehow if the av node is conducting again after the ablation. Would it conduct exactly the same behavior like original one? Example, it cuts down (filter) the rate from the Atrial then delivers to the ventricle? Or it would passing 100% rhythms from the Atrial to the ventricle?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

AV node ablations are usually successful and require 100% pacing.  It is possible for a node to be "wounded" and heal to regain partial or full recovery.  Either situation could occur -- 1. conduction like nothing was ever ablated, 2. Decreased conduction but still able to send signals from the upper to lower chamber.  The best way to assess this is with an EKG or 24 hour holter.

[PikaPika88]

Thanks Dr McWilliams.

So it won't pass 100% rhythms from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.  It can be healed in either complete normal function or reduced conduction ability only?

[CNickels77]

I had an ablation done about 10 weeks ago and have been having trouble with heart rate consistency and was wondering if it possible that my AV node was "wounded".  Does it usually selfcorrect itself?  I've been exercising and trying to be generally healthy to help it along.  The doctors thing that I might have has some nerve damage that I have been sensitive to and that over time I will start feeling better.

[PikaPika88]

I only had a His bundle ablation.  I woke up very very sick.  Then the doctor came up to see me.  Ordered oxygen, drips and an external pacemaker.   Next day I felt fine and walking around.  My heart operates it conductiong system amazingly quick.  Although not healed at the "wounded" place, it forms a new accessory pathway to conduct itself.  They did few of the EP studies on me during my one week stay at the hospital.

Some take a while to heal, some won't heal at all and some heal in a snap.  As far as it heals where you want it to heal and don't heal as you DON'T want it to heal.  

[PikaPika88]

I'm wondering how reliable to the ablated av node heals?  If it regains the full recovery, can the pacemaker safe to be removed?