Posted by Glenn Camp on April 05, 2004 at 11:58:31:
In Reply to: Re: Newbie - Considering Ablation for PVCs - Need input posted by Laura in Oregon on April 05, 2004 at 01:50:26:
Laura,
I agree with Jack that you seek out a reputable EP who can determine the exact cause of your arrhythymias. What kind of ablation did the Dr's discuss? You mentioned 'the center of the heart' and that leads me to believe they are inferring an A/V (atrioventricular) node ablation. If you do have atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular contractions, or both, an A/V node ablation will not cure afib and also would require you to have a permanent twin-lead pacemaker. In addition you would have to take coumadin or some kind of anticoagulant for life. I don't think you would want that.
Do not let a 'trigger happy' Dr. do any kind of procedure without first determining if an ablation or maze surgery is necessary and then only choose a Dr. who has performed several hundred successful procedures.