Dave:

Good luck, looks like you are in good hands...he is a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society:(FHRS).

Christopher Woods, MD, FHRS

Palo Alto Medical Foundation
1501-B Trousdale Drive 2nd Floor
Cardiology department
Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone:(650) 652-8600 Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease
Medical School: University of California Los Angeles Specialties: Clinical Electrophysiology
Translational Research Science

petey






"Main Findings

The main finding of the study is that deep sedation for catheter ablation of AF is feasible and safe. Especially, the goal of keeping the patient in deep sedation while maintaining spontaneous ventilation and cardiovascular hemodynamic stability was accomplished. In this large prospective study in 650 consecutive patients, endotracheal intubation or call of an anesthesiologist was not necessary in a single patient. Overall, no sedation-related complications were observed."

The bottom part of my post was cut off. It is an article that describes different levels of sedation. It appears intubation is used for shorter procedures and deep sedation for longer, more complex ones:


http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/755815

Good Luck Dave- knowing you have a good EP is very helpful...it helped me out a lot...I knew I was in good hands, because my EP has a reputation of having "good hands". :)

I had the tube down my throat, but didn't know it because I was knocked out when they put it in and took it out...just had a sore throat a few days...but nothing painful...just irritated.

Dave,
Very best of luck to you! This will be over in the blink of an eye and you will be in oh-so-sweet NSR!

Bill

Thanks Everyone! I guess it's going to take about 4 hours, which is OK, because I probably won't sleep a wink the night before! Have been pretty afib-y lately, which just confirms the wisdom of doing this now.

Had an ablation June 11th. I can honestly say it was a pain free procedure. I was put completely out. Number one discomfort was the cathether in the bladder. Number two discomfort was laying flat for hours as my back didnt like that very well. But I didnt need any pain medicine.

The other surprise was them completely shaving my chest which I wasnt expecting. I kind of felt like a bodybuilder for a few weeks except for the big stomach and lack of muscle tone.

Best wishes tomorrow!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow....may Everything go well for you.

Best of luck tomorrow Dave itll be over before you know it!
Im thinking of you and holding my thumbs nice and tight.
Take care,
atp

Ditto here. My procedure is on July 22. Looking forward to putting it behind me. Best of luck!

Ahh, you folks are so kind! Many Thanks! I'm a little nervous, but mostly just looking forward to getting it done. I'm 53, and truly realizing that our health is by far our most precious gift. I'll give an update when I'm back home! Warm Regards, Dave A.

Best of luck! ! Be sure to keep us updated , we'll be thinking of you.

Best of luck and Happy NSR!

Dave thoughts and prayers are with you and just know this will be successful. You have a great Dr. who you like and have confidence in. Looking forward to hearing good news:)

Christine

Today is the day, hope all is going well!

laurab