Just a little ?

I was wondering if ablation is used to cure PVC's without another condition being present?

[Jerzeegal]

Hi,

It's my understanding that ablation can be used to treat just pvcs. It is usually chosen as the last recourse when they begin affecting how you live your daily life and when changes in lifestyle and/or meds aren't effective.

Hope this helps. :-)

[dolfnlvr]

Yeah, they are used to treat "just" PVC's.  But, while we all throw the procedure around like it was "nothing" on this site, it is quite risky.  With the right doctor and the right conditions, an ablation is still not a "routine" procedure.  They are going in to arguably the most important muscle in your body, and they are burning/killing cells that can cause ectopic beats.  There is not guaruntee that the procedure will "cure" you, and there is a very real risk of complications.  

While ablation is a viable treatment for ectopy, it is usually reserved for arhythmias that are more detrimental than PVC's (SVT, a-fib, v-tach etc).  However, for those who suffer thousands or more PVC's a day, or who suffer significant effects from the arhythmia (fainting, fatigue, severe depression etc) the opportunity to undergo ablation procedures is usually offered.  

Be aware, however, that after a full EP study, some ectopic sites are deemed too dangerous for ablation.  In other words, depedent upon the placement of the cells that cause your PVC's, the doctor may find that ablating them would cause severe damage, or cause more dangerous arhythmias than the PVC's you currently experience.  

Ablation is a VERY serious procedure that warrants much research and discussion with your cardiologist and an electrophysiologist.  If you choose to pursue this option, take it very seriously and do your homework before rushing into any decisions.

Good luck

[sueinns]

Treating PVC's with ablation can be a little more complicated.  Is your condition multifocal (more than one spot)?  If so, the rate of success is lessened.  You need to be symptomatic during the procedure.  PVC's aren't as easy to bring on with drugs whereas SVT's are.

I had an ablation for very symptomatic SVT.  They left my PVC's alone during the procedure, even though the doctors noted them.  Unless I end up having many thousands a day, I will not go the ablation route for the PVC's.  They can be annoying at times but I am not symptomatic enough to justify an ablation.

The overall serious complication rate for ablation is 1%.  This is fairly low but complications can happen.  Educating yourself on all aspects of the procedure is very important.  Those of us who have had our life returned to us because we are no longer suffering from SVT are extremely grateful that we had the option of ablation and I'm sure would do it again without a moment's hesitation.