Ablation

[dd64]

How successful is ablation if you have had afib for a number of years.

[Roony39]

I’ve had paroxysmal af undiagnosed for many years, then about 2 years persistant Af .

I was told 50/50 chance of ablation working. First one lasted 2 to 3 months , now the 2 nd one will be a year of on 27 th of feb apart from 3 very fast , very short runs I’ve had no problems or regrets about going through with them .

Good luck

Sharon

X

[Buffafly]

I don't think it's length of time so much as what kind of AF, Paroxysmal or Persistent. Ablation is more likely to be 'successful' if you have PAF, not so good if Persistent. If you have Permanent AF - can't be returned to NSR by cardioversion - then ablation is unlikely to improve your condition very much so isn't usually advised.

[kitenski in reply to Buffafly]

Where have you read that persistent can't be cured with ablation? As far as I understand it persistent can be cured with ablation, but Permanent (Chronic) is likely to not be cured with ablation.

[Buffafly in reply to kitenski]

That is what I said. Though I wouldn't use the word 'cure'.

[Buffafly in reply to Buffafly]

dd64 didn't say if they meant Paroxysmal or Permanent so I thought I would cover everything.

[icklebud99]

Had AF for 6 years now and had cryoablation last April. Was taken of Flecainide after 1 month and was great up until last month when Cardiologist told me to wean off Atenolol. After 3 days I went into Atrial Flutter, took pill in the pocket Flecainide and it reverted back after 8 hours, I am back on Atenolol which is a bit disappointing as I wanted off the meds. I would go through another ablation but Cardiologist seems to think carrying on with Atenolol is the road to follow.

[Dodie117]

I am pretty sure I had undiagnosed AF for a number of years. When I decided on ablation I was having 4 or 5 episodes a week lasting 5 or 6 hours. I had ablation in November 2013, had 5 months of various arrhythmias and then all went quiet. Still in NSR, no meds except anticoagulant.

So I’m a fan!!

[Restcfo1]

Similiar to the first reply, I’d had paroxysmal af undiagnosed for awhile, then about 3 mos of persistent Af before my ablation surgery. I am now 1 yr and 2 months after surgery and would say I am back in the paroxysmal camp. I am tring to avoid a second ablation, so I am managing my triggers of alcohol, work stress, and eating too fast. Despite the need to change my life style, the surgery was well worth it. My afib episodes (irregular heart beat under 90) are not debilitating and have so far lasted 4 days max with most lasting a couple of hours. I am 59 and in pretty good shape. Will probably need another ablation at some point, but time will tell.

[Jt222]

Depends on the type of AFib and the damage and scarring that has been done. If you have paroxysmal AFib and it's once in a while, then your percentage can be about 85%. Persistent AFib percentage is a little less than that. But, If you have permanent (especially if you converted into it years ago) it's much more tricky and the chances aren't very good. My father-in-law couldn't feel symptoms and progressed to permanent AFib. Before that nothing was ever caught at his regular appts and EKGs, so nobody knew! They couldn't stop his. If your quality of life is going downhill and you can't control it easy, then ablation is a good option for most people. Having said all that, I have had 4 in the past 3 years. I have paroxysmal AFib that was getting worse, and I could feel every symptom! My quality life went away, I was always scared and anxious, and it just generally sucked!!! It was my only option after nothing else worked and thank God the 4th time has held a year! I'm an exception to the percentage and was diagnosed with a heart defect(atrial cardiomyopathy). This was suspected but actually diagnosed/confirmed during my 4th ablation. Good luck with everything.