Catheter Ablation

[IanBlanche]

Hi.

I have an ablation booked for next week. Bit nervous. Does anybody know if there are any long term implications related to having this procedure? I’m wondering if it can damage your heart in any way or whether it means you can’t have certain treatment at a later stage. Also does anyone know if you can have multiple ablations over a number of years? I’ve asked my EP but they’re a bit vague and I can’t find anything on line. Sorry for multiple questions and rambling post.

[BobD Volunteer]

No damage (unless something very very rare occurs) and many people have several. I 've had three for AF and one for atrial tachycardia since 2004. No AF since 2008.

Please read these two fact sheets. heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

heartrhythmalliance.org/res....

[IanBlanche in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob

[kalgs]

I had my Cryo ablation 8 weeks ago . I was nervous before the procedure. I was awake throughout and had no problems. My life is so different since . AF gone .

I was told by my EP that sometimes more than one ablation may be needed . However, he said the success rate is high for first ablation.

[Hidden]

I’ve had three ablations, with further work being done each time, and I’m really pleased and grateful to have had them. I have a number of heart problems so my initial chance of success wasn’t high. The only long term implications that I’ve heard of which was from other patients, is that the heart can heal, causing their arrhythmia to return.

I know it can be easier said than done but try not to worry.

[seasicksurf]

To say that an ablation does not damage the heart is somewhat contrary to the purpose of the procedure. Although not typically directed in/on the heart itself (though in some circumstances yes), the act of “ablation” is to destroy tissue—whether by radio frequency or cryo. It is the destruction of the tissues that carry bad electrical signals to the heart that is the cure. If your experience is like mine, you will “feel” the difference in your heart after the procedure—and you will also feel your heart heal and get stronger over several weeks. When healed it is the scar tissue formed by the ablation in various areas of your heart (typically at the collars of the pulmonary veins) that become the barriers to rogue electrical signals that trigger AF and other irregular beats. My ablation was 5 months ago and I’m heart healed and AF free. Good luck.