Can Catheter ablation (PVI) be done while in afib?

[DeltaDawn23]

Just wondering . . . I hope my cardioversion goes well, but wondering if it is possible if I can't be cardioverted.  Seems to me I read that they need to initiate afib in order to ablate it?

[DeltaDawn23]

Good to know -- thanks for the info. I did get a letter from the Cleveland clinic today -- a copy of the notes the ep sent to my cardiologist here.  He said he would do an ablation in 2-3 months to ensure good anticoagulation.  So I guess it would be his preference to wait, but I do not want to stay in this state for 2-3 more months.  Hopefully the procedure will go well and it won't be an issue.  Thanks again for the reply.  I hope your ablations went well and you are doing well now -- sounds like you've been thru a lot.

[WLamb]

I have had 3 ablations. The first 2 due to v tach and the 3rd due to A Fib aggravating my v tach. In all three instances if I was not in v tach or a fib then the doctor had to MAKE me have the symptoms in order to find out which section of the heart was causing my symptoms.

[DeltaDawn23]

Linda -- thanks for the input -- that makes me feel like there's another option if I need it.  The EP at CC had several suggestions regarding my cardioversion that he is sending on to my cardiologist here.  I didn't think to ask if an ablation could be planned now if the cardioversion failed.  He also went over different drugs I might try -- with all the usual side effects.  He said he would do a PVI ablation but wants to wait 2-3 months, I'm presuming because of my recent lung surgery.  

I am having so many side effects from all the meds I'm on to keep my heart rate down, that I can't imagine what I'll do if the cardioversion fails -- it's one week away.  I know I shouldn't worry about that until if and when I need to, it's just my worst case scenario personality kicking in.  Just wondering what my options might be.  No sense going there until I have to.  It was a good visit and I am very impressed by the CC.  I thought they might keep me because my heart rate was up, but I was rushing around to keep the appt an it was a 6 hour round trip.  My heart rate did go down.  I was very impressed by Dr. Tchou, he seemed very competent and he's one of the top ep's mentioned on the doctor's forum.  It was a good visit, but took a lot out of me.  I am barely able to do anything without my heart rate going up.  Just want to get back to my "normal" which is looking pretty good about now;-)  The cardioversion is scheduled for Oct. 1.  I will post how it went as soon as I get home.  Thanks for all your good wishes and concern -- it really helps keep my spirits up.

[LindaTX]

I'm pretty sure they can do a PVI ablation while you are in afib.  Did you get anything about it from the CC?  Hope you are feeling better!