Sorry about all these questions but youre all helping me so much.
Is there anyone out there who has had success 1st time they have ablation? It seems most people have to have it done 2 or 3 times. Success rate doesnt sound so high as I was quoted by my EP. ( he said about 70%)!!
Any comments?
Hi Bridget, I have recently had my 1st ablation and I'm not holding my breath it will be my last. I would love to get several AF free years before any further procedures, so trying not to worry too much and keep positive. I was quoted 60-70 % chance of staying AF free for a prolonged period, but that could include multiple ablations. I look at people on this forum who have had a good few years AF free and keep my fingers crossed. There are lots of stats out there you can use as a marker, but who knows you could be the exception to the rule and have a great success, that's what I'm hoping 
Good luck,
Jason
It really depends a lot on where your rogue signals are coming from. If they only come from the four pulmonary veins then a cryo ablation should sort that out first time but should there be other sites then an RF ablation to capture them may need to follow. I had three RF ablations but after my second I was OK for a while but some pathways re-established as I am so good at mending things.LOL My third was in 2008 and no AF since then. All worth it I assure you.
Bob
Hi Bridget,
I too was quoted 70% chance of first ablation working ,slightly higher with the second, but to be honest I was so taken aback by this condition I did not hear past the first ablation and thought that was all I would need, how silly am I ?? about to embark on a pace maker now after three ablations, having said that I have a brother in law who was cured after his second ablation so I guess we are all different .
Good luck
Wendi
Thanks Wendy. Hope all works out for you. Fingers crossed then .
I was told during a consultation that if someone has persistent AF (as I do) the chances of success the first time are much lower than if you have paradoxical AF. I had a cardio version and only stayed in NSR for ~ 1 week. In my case I was told that there is almost no chance that the ablation will work first time. C'est la vie - not much I can do about that.
Hope it works for you though.
Well I dont have persistant AF. Yet. Had several bad attacks last year which ended in a trip to coronary care for a few days. Uped the dose of flecainide to 100mg twice a day and have been in SR all bar a few flutters since. Tablets make me feel awful sometimes though and Id love to get off them. Anyway thanks for your reply Peter. Fingers crossed
Hello Bridget
Almost a month on from my first ablation and bar yesterday things seem ok, my EP has given me an 80% success chance going via what he ablated and his experience, so fingers x'dd, but I have learnt never to tempt fate with AF, sure my heart has a listening device.
As noted by others we are all different and one fits all solution.
Good luck with your decision and progress.
Thank you Mick. Hope you continue to be well too
I had first ablation in November 2013 and since then feel great. I was having episodes almost every day lasting 6 to 8 hours so was pretty severe. ECG last time seemingly showed short episode but I felt nothing. I have an alivecor monitor and if I feel anything funny I do test but all clear. Ep says may need second one but monitoring. So I would say well worth it to feel so much better and med free (staying on warfarin though) will have another , no prob, if necessary. Good luck.
Thank you Lallym. Great to hear your well .
I had a laser balloon ablation to the pulmonary veins for a fib about 2 years ago and it has been a success so far.
I also have radically altered my diet to try to give myself a better chance of remaining free of a fib.
Good luck.
There is also the fact that in any forum of this type, those who no longer suffer from the condition will tend to drift away. Inevitably, as they no longer have any need for the support, many will move on. A generalisation of course but perhaps a valid reason why there is a disproportionate number of folk here telling you about their 2nd and 3rd ablations. A positive thought!
Absolutely! I often make this point as by its nature the forum will be weighted towards those who do not get a "cure".
Bob
Bridget - I had my ablation in May 2014 (my first) for lone PAF and thus far have been AF free. But as i understand it from this forum, if AF is persistent then the percentage success for just one ablation is less. Good luck
It's great to hear about these first time successes, month on from mine and all parts x'dd for my own.
Folks, can I try to give you a positive slant from my direction.
I had an ablation in January 2010. Some 15 months later I had an AF attack. However I believe I induced this myself. I had a migraine and had been told a tablet called Sinadol was great for migraines. I bought some over the counter and lo and behold my migraine disappeared almost immediately. However, I did not realise it was packed with caffeine and the next day I went into AF. I was cardioverted and since then have now gone 4 years this month AF free. I am convinced had I not taken the Sinadol I would have gone the whole 5 year period AF free.
I am now about to touch every piece of wood in the house.
Ps Sinadol has since been taken off the market as a migraine tablet
Keep well everyone.
Hi Bridget,
I had an ablation 5 years ago. I had reducing bouts of AF for 2-3 months afterwards but since then I've been fine (touching lots of wood!). Before the ablation I was paroxysmal but up to 80% of the time in AF. A lot depends on the ability of your EP.
I think only the very best EPs can achieve 70% success first time round.
Mark
Hi - I had an ablation in 2004. It was a complete success for 10 years. Unfortunately I have been diagnosed with PAF recently and am awaiting a second ablation. Totally worth it. Can't wait for No 2. Best wishes. M
A/F Success Rates
Ablation "Success"
Success 
catheter ablation success
