Posted by Bill Kilgore on November 12, 2003 at 22:03:18:
In Reply to: Re: PVI/Ablation on October 27, 2003 posted by Anne Rowthorn on November 12, 2003 at 17:11:28:
Anne,
I too was concerned about the stroke risk and risk of pulmonary vein stenosis. I think you will be fine in the good hands of the Cleveland Clinic staff and Dr. Natale. I think the stroke risk is more like 1% if I remember correctly what Michelle told me. I rationalized that the annual stroke risk for someone with a-fib who is not on anticoagulation therapy is 2-5%, so the risk for a few days is pretty darn small. Also, from the time I went off warfarin before the procedure until five days after I started again post procedure, I was more careful than usual to limit my dietary intake of vitamin K. I did not want to have a long episode of a-fib while off warfarin and, as it happened, I had little a-fib until the day of the procedure. As for the risk of pulmonary vein stenosis, I place my faith in Dr. Natale and his skill. Also, he has put me on Lipitor for one month post procedure to help the health of the veins. I did not mind being semi-conscious during much of the procedure. Actually, I was glad to know that things were proceeding well and that I was holding still. This morning I had several hours of intermittant slow beats: it is something my heart does from time to time. I transmitted the EKG to Cleveland. It was a sinus arrhythmia -- definitely not a-fib. Prior to the procedure this sort of experience would certainly have started an a-fib episode for me. Best of luck. Our prayers are with you.
Bill