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Suggest Treatment For Afib And Sleep Apnea
Question: I have an infrequent history of afib (3 events in the last 5 years) and despite a series of tests, it was determined to be idiopathic (both atriums are healthy as indicated in the TEE before cardioversion as well as subsuquent tests after each event (holter, echocardiogram) I do not drink caffeine, but do have sleep apnea which is under control with a CPAP machine. I am currently taking Xarelto and amiodarone with no side effects except dry mouth. I have had to postpone surgery now for advanced osteoarthritis (arthrodesis) in my left ankle. I realize this is a not a substantial amount of information, however I would like to leave these drugs as soon as possible so I can safely have surgery and was wondering about catheter ablation as I have been reading some encouraging studies about this procedure improving the health/incidentsof afib in patients. Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Kind Regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You can stop oral anticoagulant and undergo surgery
Detailed Answer:
If your heart is healthy and currently in sinus rhythm (for that matter AF also), is not a contraindication for surgery. you can just stop oral anticoagulant and perioperatively can be covered with heparin and undergo surgery. Please re-discuss with surgeon as there seems to be some misunderstanding.
About Catheter ablation, yes, it's good modality but in AF used only if it's problematic despite medicines or medicines not well tolerated. Even after RF ablation, you will still be on oral anticoagulant medicines.
You can stop oral anticoagulant and undergo surgery
Detailed Answer:
If your heart is healthy and currently in sinus rhythm (for that matter AF also), is not a contraindication for surgery. you can just stop oral anticoagulant and perioperatively can be covered with heparin and undergo surgery. Please re-discuss with surgeon as there seems to be some misunderstanding.
About Catheter ablation, yes, it's good modality but in AF used only if it's problematic despite medicines or medicines not well tolerated. Even after RF ablation, you will still be on oral anticoagulant medicines.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you for your response. I am seeing the cardiologist that performed my cardioversion on Wednesday next week and will take this information with me. While conducting additional research, I noticed some additional modalities (Cox Maze, Cox Maze III, and Mini-Maze)Although these are more invasive, they seem to have a higher success rate. Would a regimen of anticoagulants still be required? Although infrequent, I am not looking forward to another incident of afib. Will staying on Xarelto and amniodarone prevent/minimize another incident if I choose not to have any of the above mentioned procedures? Kind Regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Yes ablation does have higher success rate
Detailed Answer:
Yes ablation has higher success but also has few complications as well. So if infrequent on medications it's better to let like that. Amiodarone will reduce likely hood of recurrence not xelarto
Yes ablation does have higher success rate
Detailed Answer:
Yes ablation has higher success but also has few complications as well. So if infrequent on medications it's better to let like that. Amiodarone will reduce likely hood of recurrence not xelarto
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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