AVNRT

Question: How long to recover after radiofrequency ablation for AVNRT?? I had it done 4 days ago, and I'm having palpatations. Should I be worried, or is this normal?

Answer: it could be a few days - If they ablated deep, it might take a couple of days for the scar tissue to develop enough to prevent the electrical impulses from going the wrong places. Give it a good 2 weeks - then if you're still having problems, let the doc know.

Question: Have you had radiofrequency ablation for arythmia; SVT, AVNRT? I am due an ablation for AVNRT later this year and I would love to know of other peoples experiences?

Answer: I not only had Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for AVNRT, I am an electrophysiology nurse and assist with these procedures very frequently. The procedure is normally a very safe and reliable alternative to long term pharmacotherapy. Of course there are always risks involved in any invasive procedure as I am sure your physician has discussed with you. In my case I chose the permanent cure over a daily medication regimen that didn't really seem to be helping at all. I had mine done in 2002 and have had absolutely zero recurrences of my tachycardia. Went in early that morning and watched my son play baseball later that evening. Of course,much depends on the operator. I would do my homework about the skill of the physician ( make sure the MD is board certified in Electrophysiology), number of cases annually, training of staff, etc. Good luck and hope all turns out well.

Question: What is paroxysmal atrial tachycardia? Does it encompasses WPW,LGL, AVNRT........? ... Junctional tachycardia, Premature junctional contraction, Junctional escape rhythm and Accelerated junctional rhythm ?

Answer: PAT is a type of supra-ventricular tachyarrhythmia. It is NOT junctional, WPW or other AV nodal rhythm. And it doesn't fall into the category of re-entrant arrhythmias. It is a a sinus tachyarrhythmia and has visible p waves on the ECG. Hope this helps.