Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a procedure used to treat irregular heart rhythms originating in the atria. It involves using specialized catheters to create controlled scar tissue in areas responsible for AF, helping restore a normal heart rhythm. The procedure is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- The procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours.
- Small tubes called catheters will be inserted into the femoral veins (running on the left and right sides of your groin area) under local anesthetic and guided to the heart using X-ray imaging and/or magnetic mapping technology.
- Energy (radiofrequency, cryoablation, or pulse field) is used to target and modify areas of the heart causing abnormal rhythms.
- Usually this procedure is performed with the patient fully asleep (general anesthesia), and a breathing tube may be used.
Risks Involved
While AF ablation is generally safe, potential risks may include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
- Sore throat due to the breathing tube used during the procedure.
- Minor bleeding at the groin site, which can usually be controlled with firm pressure for 30 minutes.
- Blood clots or stroke (rare, as blood thinners are used to prevent this).
- Heart or lung complications, including fluid buildup or damage to surrounding structures (rare).
What to Expect After the Procedure
Minor & More Common Risks
- Mild temporary soreness in the throat from the breathing tube.
- Minor bruising/bleeding at the groin site. If minor bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure for 30 minutes. Bruising can take a few weeks to resolve.
- Some patients experience temporary heart rhythm irregularities as the heart heals.
- Fatigue is common for a few days following the procedure.
Severe & Rare Risks
- Stroke or Heart Attack (~1 in 1000 people, 0.12%)
- Damage to your blood vessels (~1 in 300, 0.3%)
- Cardiac Perforation (~1 in 300, 0.36%)
- Death (~1 in 5000)
- Radiofrequency (burning): 1 in 3000 risk of damaging your esophagus, which is often life-threatening.
- Cryoablation (freezing): 1 in 400 risk of damage to the phrenic nerve, which is often temporary. Permanent injury is rare.
- Pulse Field: 1 in 3000 risk of damage to your red blood cells causing kidney injury.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Go to the Emergency Room if you experience:
- Severe pain or increasing swelling in the groin where catheters were inserted.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Vomiting blood or severe nausea.
- Uncontrolled bleeding at the catheter site.
- Stroke-like symptoms such as changes in vision, inability to speak or understand speech, difficulty walking, or loss of function in arms or legs.
Follow-Up Care
A follow up appointment with the doctor is usually arranged 3-6 months after ablation with a repeat Holter heart rhythm monitor. If you experience recurrence of atrial fibrillation, contact our office to arrange a follow-up appointment and treatment plan. For any concerns after the procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to our office for guidance.
Questions about this procedure?
Our office is here to help. Patients are seen by referral only.