Infection following ablation?

[Geonome]

I'm seriously considering an ablation (my EP says it would be a cryoballoon ablation, using the Medtronics balloon.) He would need to punch through the heart's septum during the procedure to get to all the pulmonary veins.

I'm on immuno-suppressive medication for a chronic condition, and am very concerned about the possibility of an infection, caused by the procedure.

I've read a lot of success stories on here about ablations. Has anyone had an infection of the heart or at the catheter insertion site?

[BobD Volunteer]

This is not something that I have heard of in my 15 years in this game. Infection control in EP centres is usually excellent. The transpetal puncture is a normal part of the procedure for pulmonary vein isolation (ablation) and can cause temporary migraine aura for a few days or a week or so by the way.

Endocarditis (infection in the heart) is usually caused by dental infections so good dental hygiene is vital.

Hope that reasures you.

[Geonome in reply to BobD]

Thank you. That's very reassuring.