Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome

[SammieJoline]

I am 28 and have been diagnosed with WPW. My cardiologist told me that because I am symptomatic that I should get a cardiac ablation.  I have it scheduled for February bit I'm worried. How is it going to feel afterwards? Will it hurt?

[caribjules]

Between my three sons they have had 7 ablations.  3 for WPW, 1 for Atrial Flutter and 4 for AVNRT.  They have never complained of pain.  They do not remember anything about the procedure.  They only had mild discomfort similar to a bad bruise around the insertion sites from the catheters they use.  I have been told I need an ablation as well now and all three of my boys have said it is no big deal.  One of my sons doctors once told my son...he has the easy job, he will sleep through it, the parents/family have the tough job of worrying through the procedure and the doctor has the fun job because they love doing the procedure.  Good luck...hope it goes great for you.  All three have said they felt worlds better after the WPW was fixed.

[tom_h]

I would consider that a lot.  You will get your life back with this procedure, believe me!  Keep in touch with us so we know how you make out, and we're all here to answer any questions you may have.

[SammieJoline]

I experience wpw symptoms a few times a week. I'll be completely at rest and My heart will accelerate for no reason. It last anywhere from 2-5 minutes.

[tom_h]

Soething we haven't asked yet:  Just how "symptomatic" are you?  If you experience it once or twice a year versus three to five time per month as I did I think plays a large part in the decision.

[tom_h]

As Michelle indicates, WPW is an accessory pathway type of SVT.  It's actually nothing more than a small muscle fiber that crosses from the upper chambers to the lower heart chambers . About 65% of these connections are located between the left atrium and left ventricle well away from the Critical AV node.  The other 35% or so are located on the right side of the heart between the right atrium and right ventricle. Left-sided accessory pathways require the doctors to place a wire into the chambers of the heart that pump directly to the brain.  Therefore require a brief period of blood thinning during the catheter ablation procedure is required to prevent clots from forming on the ablation catheter that might cause a stroke.  A fast acting anticoagulant, probably Heparin is commonly used.  It has a very short half life, and is metabolized in several hours and is gone.  Check with your physician and see if you can choose general sedation.  Mine actually prefers to do this as opposed to twilight sedation.  I remember the gurney ride to the lab, and feebly scooting onto the lab table and being propped up comfortably.  The next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery room.  Within minutes I was back in my cube, and eating a sandwich with a heavy bag of sand on my groin to promote closure of the puncture wound.  I was released approximately 4 hours of waking up.  I was back to work within a few days, and doing light workouts within 9 days.  I was nearing 60 at the time, but in pretty good shape for my age.  Considering your age, yours may be even faster.  Comparing drug versus ablation therapy, the risks are quite similar.  Those pills are small, but they pack a wallop, and you may need to try a number of drugs to find one that works for you.  This in itself carries some risk.  As an example, I had a very unpleasant reaction when Sotalol was tried.  The drug I was on Metoprolol was basically ineffective.  Best. Of luck!

[MichelleP_3811]

I had an ablation for avnrt and the worry before was worse than the actual ablation.  Cardiac ablations for accessory pathway svt are actually extremely low risk with high cure rates so definitely worth a shot.  The biggest concern would be if the spot they need to ablate is too close the avnode.  In these cases they usually pull out of the ablation to avoided the need for a pacemaker.  It is a risk but the technology now is a bit more advanced so this is generally easy for the EP to avoid.  So though no medical procedure is without risk cardiac ablations are pretty low so try to just focus on being cured of your svt.  Like I said, I was quite terrified to go into the ablation but was pretty much kicking myself afterwards how easy it turned out to be for me.  If you would like to read my story then click on my name and read my journal entry.  I think to some degree it is wise for those with wpw to try and ablation due to the fact that both the atria and ventricles are involved so you very well are doing your heart a very big favor.  Let us know the date and I will send prayers your way and if you need to talk up until then we are always here if you need us.  But please do keep us posted on how you are.  Take care and best of luck.

[Bromley]

I suggest anesthesia.  

The idea is that you will feel better after the procedure. However, there is normally a recovery period.  There are also risks that you should be aware of.  

According to one website, there are 3 class I indications for RF ablation. Some forms of symptomatic Svt are included in this mix, if it is a patient preference. If this is actually the accepted protocol these days, I believe some changes have taken place. I am pretty sure that they used to recommend treatment with drugs first. I assume the Clause"if it is patient preference" presupposes that the patient understands the risks involved and is willing to take them on in order to improve the quality of life without drugs.

[tom_h]

Please do a search on user Jannie411, and read her journals.  She has some very good information on her procedure as she was awake the entire time.  I was under general anesthesia for mine and remember nothing.  It freed me of a near lifetime of AVRT type of SVT.  You'll do fine!

[DeltaDawn23]

There are lots of people on this board who have had ablations -- reading some of their accounts may help ease your fears and give you an idea of what to expect.  I think if you search "ablation" at the top right of the page it will bring up some previous posts or journal entries.  Good luck with this.