A-fib after 1 ablation… still experiencing A-fib. Does anyone suggest a second ablation or just wait? Ablation was Sept.22,2022

[PBCRB]

Things to expect after a catheter ablation?

Do you think a 2nd ablation shows more success?

I’d like general information from actual ablation cases.

[BobD Volunteer]

Since as we explain in our fact sheet on recovery it often takes six months , nine or even a year for full recovery it is still likely that thing will improve.

That said repeat ablations are common enough, especially if your first was cryo ablation as this procedure has limited possibilities if areas other than the four pulmonary veins are firing off. A top up RF procedure is often the way forward.

[mjames1]

Statistically, episodes this far out suggest the ablation is not holding. In fact, after three months, the so-called "blanking period" has been cynically referred to as the "wishful thinking" period. So, moving forward, it really depends on both your overall history, your afib burden and what your goals are. In many cases, a second ablation will increase the odds of keeping you afib free.

Jim

[Singwell]

This is my experience. 1st ablation they told me only 40% likelihood of success. Had long runs of AF for 3 weeks on and off then it suddenly got a lot better. Short runs that self terminated. I then settled back into my old pattern of once every two months. The episodes were less acute and I needed less extra Flecainide to knock.them on the head. Either that, or I'd learned to manage them.better. A year later I went back for my 2nd in March 2022. This time, instead of over 100 burn sites, there were 35. Work on 3 out of the 4 pulmonary veins had been breached so it was a good decision. Had a few episodes during 1st fortnight, then 1 in May and none since. Occasionally I get ectopics or even a short run of tachy if I'm stressed. But these pass with relaxation techniques.

Will it come back? My EP says - you have a predisposition to AF so you might get the odd outbreak if you are under pressure, in shock, get a virus etc. But it should be less burden and fleeting.

Good enough for me.

I'd have it again if needed but not till Pulsed Field Ablation is available.

BTW sedated only for #1, GA for #2. That's what made the difference

[Ossie7]

Hello , my ablation history was similar to Singwell , only less successful . I had cryoablation the first time and my AF returned after about 6 months in a persistent form . My second ablation was RF under GA and this lasted 7 months until the AF broke through . I am on the waiting list for a 3 rd but this one will apparently be more aggressive . I was reluctant to agree at first as I was feeling why would I go for a 3rd trauma to the heart when the first 2 didn’t work . However I then had a new arrhythmia nurse who I was able to discuss it with and he made it sound more hopeful . I am still classed as ‘relatively young ‘ and my AF burden is high when it returns , and always in a persistent , not intermittent form . Looking forward , I will look into alternative procedures such as the hybrid mini maze should this 3rd ablation eventually fail . Until then it’s drugs and healthier lifestyle all the way !

[ozziebob]

Sorry, I haven't had any ablations. But I see you are a recent member, and in my daily 17 months of reading Posts there have been many members giving personal experience of their multiple ablations.

While I cannot refer you to any particular past Post, I suggest if you use the Search option on this site at the top you might better find a larger number of relevant replies. Good luck.

[barge5]

Hi. I had my second ablation a month ago. Last one was 18 months ago. I was back in AF after 10 days last time. Cardiology couldn't pin point where I need the 2nd ablation so inserted a loop recorder in my chest. Best thing ever. Within a week it had pick up the AF. So far just a few palpitations and breathless but it's too be expected. No AF. Fingers crossed