Had my pvc ablation! I should had done this a year ago and avoided heart failure and a 35 EF. It was easier than a dental filling. It’s my 5th ablation so I know. I was wide awake the entire 2 hours except for the first and last 7 minutes during the groin cut. I watched them snaking to my heart. I have a very caring EP who warned me before the first burn not to move and did a 18 second burn and countdown. I was strapped in hands and body like a mummy or straight jacket. I didn’t feel the first burn so he continued without concern the remaining 4 burns. In the end he warned me he will increase my HR and not to be concerned. That caused 10/10 angina. But I got morphine in the end. I manned up and proud I withstood the ablation wide awake. I wasn’t scared because the staff and EP were calm and knew what they were doing. Unfortunately no plugs so I’m in bed for 6 hours waiting to get out to pee. I was brave and tough. So I’m proud of myself but regret not doing this 13 months ago. The advantage of no anesthesia except for two 7 minute times is that I am clear headed and alert and was able to eat immediately. BTW, I have strep throat and a fever and a razor blade throat. They were not concerned. I need to mention I had my first 3 ablations with Natale at Los Robles in CA. The cath lab is minimal compared to Austin so I do not recommend going there. I had my ablation today overseas with state of the art equipment. I think it makes a difference. Most ablations include iodine imagery so they could see better. I didn’t need it. I only had my left ventricle burned. With a 50% burden my PVCs stopped after the 5th left ventricle burn and mapping showed no right ventricle activity. https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200724#msg-200724 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:54:10 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200875#msg-200875 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200875#msg-200875 Following your journey, I remember you were suffering from a high burden of PVC's.
Im also been suffering the same since my last Nata ablation in Austin Marh 1 2016...I also had a touchup ablation and the Watchman inserted April 11 2024.but my episodes also resolved after a few weeks or month's some lasting 5 months on and off.
Taurine Arginine Magnesium and Potassium supplementation eventually eliminate them for a year or two.
I circuit train with moderate weights and do cardio about 10 hours a week so my heart function is excellent but this is getting unnerving......
I recently dealt with prostate cancer 14 months out with MRI Guided SBRT @ MSK, all good there so far.

Any advice]]> McHale AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:29:51 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200789#msg-200789 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200789#msg-200789 susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:29:29 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200783#msg-200783 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200783#msg-200783
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GeorgeN

Thank you Susan .. As I understand it you had your last Ablation overseas... May I ask where ? and the name of the EP.
I am located in Canada and looking for an EP that has lots and lots of experience .

A non US EP with lots of experience is Pierre Jais in Bordeaux, Fr. A number of members here have used him. Here is a search here of posts that mention his name. [www.afibbers.org]

A top rate reputation]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:40:21 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200782#msg-200782 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200782#msg-200782
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Carlorea
Thank you Susan .. As I understand it you had your last Ablation overseas... May I ask where ? and the name of the EP.
I am located in Canada and looking for an EP that has lots and lots of experience .

A non US EP with lots of experience is Pierre Jais in Bordeaux, Fr. A number of members here have used him. Here is a search here of posts that mention his name. [www.afibbers.org]]]> GeorgeN AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:28:51 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200780#msg-200780 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200780#msg-200780
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Carlorea
Thank you Susan .. As I understand it you had your last Ablation overseas... May I ask where ? and the name of the EP.
I am located in Canada and looking for an EP that has lots and lots of experience .

Mine is far away from Canada. I’ll pm you the info.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:42:58 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200779#msg-200779 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200779#msg-200779 I am located in Canada and looking for an EP that has lots and lots of experience .]]> Carlorea AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:25:38 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200777#msg-200777 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200777#msg-200777 gloaming AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:45:40 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200776#msg-200776 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200776#msg-200776 susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:40:06 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200774#msg-200774 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200774#msg-200774 gloaming AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:18:34 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200773#msg-200773 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200773#msg-200773
I have pericardial effusion and my troponin was elevated to 52 and then 58. Not super high but it shows something.

A bit of advice- be your own advocate and do not get an ablation if you have strep throat. They think it traveled to my heart.it took me 4 months to get the appointment and my EF had dropped to 35 so I took the risk after being told it’s OK.

I’m in a cardiac ward being treated by the staff I saw on Monday during my ablation. They are treating me with ibuprofen and another aspirin like drug PLUS my Eliquis which worries me that I could bleed.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:03:43 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200771#msg-200771 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200771#msg-200771
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Los Robles insisted we used two finger pressure upon sitting and standing. Every nurse after each 6 procedures insisted. I had an angiogram, 4 ablations, and a watchman and each time I was instructed and policed to apply pressure. Perhaps it’s a Los Robles protocol to do.

It isn’t an Austin thing so it must be a Los Robles protocol.]]> Daisy AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:11:57 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200759#msg-200759 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200759#msg-200759
I didn't need pressure but had to lie still for 6 hours, probably because they didn't use plugs then.

I've been following your progress since those days and its good to see you still taking charge of your health and being better off for doing so.]]> ggheld AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:08:36 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200752#msg-200752 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200752#msg-200752
The pressure thing can't do any harm and I suppose it may prevent a hematoma now and then, but I've just never heard that advice before so I suspect it is a Los Robles thing.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:19:33 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200750#msg-200750 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200750#msg-200750
Los Robles insisted we used two finger pressure upon sitting and standing. Every nurse after each 6 procedures insisted. I had an angiogram, 4 ablations, and a watchman and each time I was instructed and policed to apply pressure. Perhaps it’s a Los Robles protocol to do. There are quite a few who had their ablation there. I’m now curious if they needed pressure.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:02:43 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200748#msg-200748 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200748#msg-200748 Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:20:19 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200745#msg-200745 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200745#msg-200745
It’s pretty interesting…:

The Perclose ProGlide is a suture-mediated closure (SMC) device that uses a stitch to quickly and securely seal arterial and venous access sites (like the femoral artery/vein) after catheterization, promoting faster healing, ambulation, and discharge by eliminating the need for manual compression and reducing complications like bleeding or infection. It works by deploying a suture through the vessel wall, which is then cinched to close the puncture, providing immediate hemostasis.
How it works (Simplified)
Device Placement: The device is advanced into the vessel through the puncture site.
Needle Deployment: A foot opens, and needles deploy, passing through the vessel wall and coming back out, carrying sutures.
Suture Deployment: The needles are retracted, leaving sutures in place.
Knot Tying: A mechanism (like a tamper/knot pusher) cinches the sutures, forming a knot that effectively stitches the vessel closed.
Confirmation: Hemostasis is confirmed, and the excess suture is trimmed.
Key Benefits
Faster Recovery: Reduces time to hemostasis (stopping bleeding), ambulation, and hospital discharge.
Reduced Complications: Associated with lower rates of bleeding, infection, and vascular complications compared to manual compression or cutdown.
Versatile: Can be used for both single and multiple access sites in femoral arteries and veins, for various sheath sizes.
Durable Closure: Provides immediate, robust closure, even in patients on anticoagulants.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:13:34 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200744#msg-200744 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200744#msg-200744 Mark AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:59:57 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200740#msg-200740 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200740#msg-200740
Jim]]> mjamesone AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:48:14 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200737#msg-200737 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200737#msg-200737
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mjamesone
Good for you, and without GA the bane of too many US ablations! Speedy recovery! When feeling up to it, can you clarify how did the setup and technology over there compare to what you experienced in the US.

Jim
They do more testing and imaging. Iodine contrast in the cath lab during the ablation is the norm in addition to mapping to see the anatomy. Ultrasound was used to guide the catheter. I have no comparison to Austin-my 4 ablations were at Los Robles, but from what I saw, my overseas ablation today had more staff. I had 3 on one side and 4 on the other prepping me. They were busy bees all coordinating the ablation.

They keep their patients awake to maximize success. I was told anesthesia suppresses the arrhythmia. My overseas EP burned less because I had a 50% burden during the ablation. I was watching on the monitor. He didn’t guess by excessively burn. I’m not out of the woods yet. In 3 months I get a 72 hour Holter. My recovery is better without anesthesia. It’s my 26st ablation/general surgeries I’ve had so I have a lot of experience to compare.

I was lucky. He estimated 2-4 hours but it came in shy of 2 hours because iodine contrast imaging wasn’t needed. He didn’t use pulse because he confessed left ventricle ablations for PVCs will take years to expect the experience needed. He uses pulse and RF for Afib ablations.

Cath lab imaging equipment-Austin has state of the art but I was told by Natale he prefers Austin over Los Robles because he can image better. The pro of Los Robles is their heated comfort mattress and their disposable pillows which I kept and private rooms. I’m in a three bed ward. Where I had mine today was a basic padded mattress gurney and a regular mattress. If one is asleep the mattress and pillow comfort is short lived. I’d rather have more staff and equipment than a blowup mattress that I won’t appreciate after I’m under anesthesia.

I had a full day of testing and imaging the day before. A chest xray, CT and labs were required as well as a fresh echo and ekg. I had a busy day. I didn’t have any imaging at Los Robles.

Jim —I only had 2 hospitals to make a comparison. Others can chime in and describe their ablation experiences. All I know mine was an excellent experience-even being awake. I got to watch in live time the entire process and witness the medical personnel do their best without music or talking to each other about their latest vacations. I had a lot of surgeries I choice spinal so I know to a small extent what happens during surgeries.

I’m not saying I’m cured. There is no such thing. I just had an excellent experience. I have three excellent nurses post ablation who enhanced the experience further. They maybe are the best nurses I’ve met.

I had interviewed a top tier New York EP during the fall. He was against staying awake. He told me it would take two ablations and I would be asleep. Usually I’m in NSR when asleep so I didn’t use him. He also uses a Fellow to map. I paid $360 more and had two attending EPs whom I handpicked. That was the entire cost of my ablation. I have insurance and secondary so I’ll get 80% back on what I paid. Basically free. For me that was a plus to pick the assistant EP. I had a bad experience at the #2 rated best cancer hospital in 2014 where residents and Fellows didn’t see my cancer growing for five years after I flew in twice a year for imaging. During 2025 summer I had another cancer surgery in the east coast using a different hospital. The 2029 graduate resident made a permanent mistake in which I’m still seeking medical care and suffering pain. So having no residents or fellows touch me is a plus. I’m sure there are many excellent fellows but I had multiple poor experiences to risk it.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:18:16 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200736#msg-200736 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200736#msg-200736
Jim]]> mjamesone AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:58:46 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200733#msg-200733 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200733#msg-200733 Qwackertoo AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:48:51 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200730#msg-200730 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200730#msg-200730 gloaming AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:41:54 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200729#msg-200729 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200729#msg-200729
Is it because plugs have their own protocol?]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:04:31 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200728#msg-200728 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200728#msg-200728
Also I only had 1 groin cut. I will say that the catheter was a 10/10 pain so I was asleep for 7 minutes while inserting and removing the catheter. I was born with a twisted vein past the groin by my hip area that was kinky so it hurt each time he maneuvered the catheter. I had 9 in the room which ran like clockwork. I regret not doing this earlier.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:03:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200726#msg-200726 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200726#msg-200726 Yuxi AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:21:42 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200725#msg-200725 Re: Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200725#msg-200725 GeorgeN AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:19:24 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200724#msg-200724 Had my pvc ablation! https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,200724,200724#msg-200724
I was wide awake the entire 2 hours except for the first and last 7 minutes during the groin cut.

I watched them snaking to my heart. I have a very caring EP who warned me before the first burn not to move and did a 18 second burn and countdown. I was strapped in hands and body like a mummy or straight jacket.

I didn’t feel the first burn so he continued without concern the remaining 4 burns.

In the end he warned me he will increase my HR and not to be concerned. That caused 10/10 angina. But I got morphine in the end.

I manned up and proud I withstood the ablation wide awake. I wasn’t scared because the staff and EP were calm and knew what they were doing.

Unfortunately no plugs so I’m in bed for 6 hours waiting to get out to pee.

I was brave and tough. So I’m proud of myself but regret not doing this 13 months ago.

The advantage of no anesthesia except for two 7 minute times is that I am clear headed and alert and was able to eat immediately.

BTW, I have strep throat and a fever and a razor blade throat. They were not concerned.

I need to mention I had my first 3 ablations with Natale at Los Robles in CA. The cath lab is minimal compared to Austin so I do not recommend going there. I had my ablation today overseas with state of the art equipment. I think it makes a difference. Most ablations include iodine imagery so they could see better. I didn’t need it. I only had my left ventricle burned. With a 50% burden my PVCs stopped after the 5th left ventricle burn and mapping showed no right ventricle activity.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:56:20 +0000