ablation

[roseg65]

why would have to have a heart ablation outside and inside.

[ireneo]

I've had 3 ablations (yes, my heart is stubborn). I avoid going to the doctor unless it's urgent but I managed to get through all 3. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. Putting the IV in was the worst part in my opinion. So you can see the rest was easier. They did give me Versed and fentanyl. Those put me in a twilight state and managed any discomfort that might have happened. Thanks to Versed, I remember very little of the procedures. Afterwards I felt a bit tired for a day or two, had some bruising in the groin and that was it. Having a cold is worse.

[Intandem]

What does an ablation feel like? Are you put "under" during the procedure? How does it feel afterwards?

[Jerry_NJ]

Thanks, I'll try to remember.  Sounds like something that would be a lot safer, unless ablation from the outside requires more "burning" power.  Just doing a "what if", obviously I know nothing about the process, but I do suffer from AFib, maybe I should put this on my list of questions for my next 6 month check-up with my cardiologist.

[ireneo]

I just found it. Stanford wrote an excellent article (easy to understand) on "epicardial ablation." It's done when a regular ablation hasn't worked and the trouble area appears to be more on the outside of the heart. Wish I could add a link.

[ireneo]

I thought I had read about some ablations being done on the outside of the heart for a-fib. Perhaps the maze is done like that? Wish my memory was better.  :-o

[Jerry_NJ]

I do not find your post very clear, what are you asking?  I understand the first part, but the "outside and inside" has me lost.

All ablations are inside the heart to my knowledge, which is based only what I have read on this forum.  

Ablations are used to correct/cure atrial fibrillation, and other "electrical" rhythm problems.  Some times the ablation does not work, cure the problem.  I think a doctor would recommend an ablation if the estimate of a successful outcome was much better than 50% or if the condition needing treatment/ablation is dangerous.

[ireneo]

Perhaps for atrial fibrillation.