They didn't try a Carioversion first? My Cardiologist hasn't even suggested an ablation yet..

I was admitted once to the hospital overnight as a result of an episode lasting lasting two days. I was prepared for a Cardioversion but my episode self terminated the morning prior to the cardioversion. My symptoms are very strong and I always know immediately when I am in A-Feb.All of my episodes have been self terminating (so far!).

Hello cmurphy: I have had two RF catheter ablations and never had a cardioversion. At the time my first catheter ablation was done, I was still converting in an out of AF on my own.

I have had 2 catheter ablations; one RF and one Cryo. I never heard of a stereotaxis machine so I googled it. I am quite sure that it wasn't used in my case. I personally,think that thr cryo is better than RF.I felt better afterwards, and so far it's been working. How long have you been on the amioderone? Have you researched it? Are you having any side effects? It isn't anything that you want to be on long term. I am sure that your doctor has explained how it works and the possible side effects. Good luck. I know that it is difficult to decide whether to have an ablation or not.

My first ablation was a RF Ablation (right from the beginning it was not successful - the second ablation in October was Cryo (freezing) and I have been AF free for 2 months. If you are considering an ablation - find an EP who is well experienced and educated in the latest methods. The Cryo-Ablation seem so be much more successful and less stressful on the body.

I never had to have a cardioversion. I converted back to NSR on my own, even for episodes lasting a couple of days.

The best thing about this site is the amount of information you find in one place. You just have to sift through it and find out what is best for you. Take care.

I have been on the Amiodorone for ~ 2 weeks. I took double doses for the first week to build up the level. It was prescribed as an interim measure as I was referred to the EP center and the Amiodorone risks were explained. The EP Dr says it would be good to try to establish NSR for 2-3 months in order to get the best result after the catheter ablation. I was started on Warfarin (Coumadin) at the same time as Ami. It turns out I have a 2-3 month wait anyway for the catheter ablation procedure. Cryo was never offered as a treatment option. I am using Kaiser HMO for medical coverage and their EP center in Santa Clara. I feel so much better after getting off the Propafenone! No AF episodes yet, no more feeling light headed.

I took amioderone for a total of 2 months. It put me in NSR prior to abaltion which did give me a better chance at a successful abaltion. I hope you tolerate it better than I did. The hard part is: if you experience side effects they won't stop as soon as the med is discontinued. It takes weeks/months. Once again, good luck!

Hi, I have had 4 cardioversions and 2 ablations. The latest ablation occurred two months ago and have not had an AF episode since the surgery took place. The latest ablation was a combination RF and Cryo which I thought was very interesting. My EP also told me that in some cases the veins can grow back together and will start up the AF again. Apparently this is what happened to me so that eventually my heart was at the stage as if I had not had an ablation done. The first ablation never did totally cure AF, but in combination with Rthymol went for 3 years without any episodes and was able to discontinue the warfarin. So far so good with the second one and will be stopping the Pradaxa in a couple of weeks. For me, at least, the ablations have been totally worth it.

Was not aware of the stereotaxis machine but the technology looks very interesting and should definitely help improve the ablation procedure. Pretty soon we will not need doctors (Ha). Just pass us through a machine and we will be healed (Must be my Star Trek side coming out).

This is a great discussion group with lots of information and caring people! I am a member of a couple others and this is by far the best. Glad that you are doing better.

Stereotaxis is new. It is robotic and supposed to be softer on the heart. Less radiation too. Are you going to wear that tux to the procedure? :-)

Stereotaxix is the new robot machine. I had it for my ablation, and it merely means that your EP is controlling it from another room and isn't hands on. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I have persistent A-Fib and my ablation only lasted 5 hr. I've had two cardioversions, and several medical stays for trials on meds, and I'm hoping to make a trip to NYC to see the Dr. that is the running the trial with the WATCHMAN device this summer, and have another ablation.