What is the definition of success in ablation.

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I am confused, can someone explain what is the definition of success in

ablation? Is it to stay for 6 months afib free or one year or longer,

or does it mean to be less symptomatic? I had 2 failed ablations, i

know there are a lot people in this group with same experience.

Is it possible someone create a poll for success rate of ablation in

this group? There is one poll, but it is hard to estimate the rate.

Thank you.

Alfred

[Guest guest]

In my opinion, success means being cured of afib permanently, forever.

And being able to go back to the lifestyle a person had before the afib

started. Being able to have a few adult beverages, a cup of capuchin

or other caffeinated beverages, not having to worry about stress or

exhaustion bring on an afib attack...that would be success.

P

.....................

>

> Hi all,

> I am confused, can someone explain what is the definition of success

in

> ablation? Is it to stay for 6 months afib free or one year or longer,

> or does it mean to be less symptomatic? I had 2 failed ablations, i

> know there are a lot people in this group with same experience.

> Is it possible someone create a poll for success rate of ablation in

> this group? There is one poll, but it is hard to estimate the rate.

> Thank you.

> Alfred

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Alfred,

It seems like every EP has their own meaning. My EP said that an

ablation will cure 1/3 of the time. 15% of the time it will have no

affect. The rest of the time it will result in some improvement. I

think this is the most honest answer I have heard yet. And yes, after

hearing this I had an ablation by this EP in November of 05. He does

about 200 per year.

Earl

Hi all,

> I am confused, can someone explain what is the definition of success

in

> ablation? Is it to stay for 6 months afib free or one year or longer,

> or does it mean to be less symptomatic? I had 2 failed ablations, i

> know there are a lot people in this group with same experience.

> Is it possible someone create a poll for success rate of ablation in

> this group? There is one poll, but it is hard to estimate the rate.

> Thank you.

> Alfred

>

[Guest guest]

>

> It seems like every EP has their own meaning. My EP said that an

> ablation will cure 1/3 of the time. 15% of the time it will have

no

> affect. The rest of the time it will result in some improvement.

I

> think this is the most honest answer I have heard yet. And yes,

after

> hearing this I had an ablation by this EP in November of 05. He

does

> about 200 per year.

>

> Hi all,

> > I am confused, can someone explain what is the definition of

success

> in

> > ablation? Is it to stay for 6 months afib free or one year or

longer,

> > or does it mean to be less symptomatic? I had 2 failed

ablations, i

> > know there are a lot people in this group with same experience.

> > Is it possible someone create a poll for success rate of

ablation in

> > this group?

Good questions: With the improvements in equipment and techniques

one would think that whatever basis is used for " success " , the

numbers would improve with time.

I believe that Dr. Natale, who did mine, regards success as freedom

from medications and afib after 6 months; although he doesn't count

the need for a " touch-up " ablation within that period as a failure.

These procedures are so new that there's little long term data

available. Also, it probably is age and health dependent.

For example, an EP who had more older patients or those with other

heart problems, would probably have a lower success rate than one

who only worked on 40 y/o triatheletes who didn't really need it.

Yet if I were an 85 y/o person who might be helped by the procedure

I'd sure want a doc that would do it for me even if the chance of

success was small.

Success may also be relative to the risk involved in not having the

procedure for some. If I was severly limited by my afib I would

probably regard a procedure resulting in less lmitations as a

success whereas others with lesser symptoms might regard that as a

failure as they might expect complete freedom afterward.

Bottom line is that there is very little downside to the procedure

these days so any upside would make it worthwhile and a success in

my book.

Gordon

[Guest guest]

>

>

> >

> Gordon<

Amen!!