{"id":384,"date":"2023-03-14T13:04:34","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T13:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.melbourneheart.com.au\/?page_id=384"},"modified":"2023-10-09T00:31:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T00:31:10","slug":"av-node","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.melbourneheart.com.au\/procedures\/electrophysiology\/av-node\/","title":{"rendered":"AV Node ablation"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”section-story-wrapper”][vc_row el_class=”container”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”AV node ablation” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23c3ad8b” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]An atrioventricular (AV) node ablation is usually reserved for patients with ongoing AF who have failed to respond adequately to other treatment strategies. It benefits people with fast uncontrolled heart rates in AF despite medications or people who have severe side effects to using medications. Once exception is people with CRT pacemaker and AF who would benefit from an AV node ablation to allow for >90% pacemaker function. Patients usually have a pre-existing pacemaker<\/a> , or a pacemaker implanted in view of having an AV node ablation.<\/p>\n

The ablation procedure component is considered simple and effective. All the irregular rapid signals from the AF will no longer be able to reach the ventricle. The ventricles will now rely on the existing pacemaker to beat the heart. The heart is expected to beat regularly and allow us to rationalise your medications further. Age and comorbidities influence the management options. Procedural success is estimated at >98% and requirement for repeat procedure varies between 1-2%. Please refer to the catheter ablation section<\/a> for general information about the admission process and requirements.<\/p>\n

It is important to understand that the heart does not beat after an AV node ablation. The pacemaker will pace the heart for you. This is a common scenario, and your pacemaker function will be monitored regularly to ensure normal function. Pacemakers are highly reliable and sophisticated devices with many options to monitor you including remote monitoring.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What are the risks of having an AV node ablation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

They include but are not limited to the following.<\/p>\n

Common risks and complications (more than 5%) include:<\/strong><\/p>\n