AFib ablation is a treatment for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) symptoms that have not responded to medication. AFib ablation restores a normal heart rhythm by using heat or cold to create small scars in the heart. These scars block electrical signals that cause an abnormal heartbeat.
There are several types of ablation procedures that can be performed to treat AFib. The type of AFib ablation you have depends on where your abnormal heartbeat starts. Two common types of ablations for AFib include:
AFib ablation procedures are performed using:
The irregular electrical impulses that cause AFib often originate in the pulmonary veins. Your pulmonary veins carry blood from your lungs to your heart. PVI treats these abnormal electrical signals by creating scar tissue near where your pulmonary veins connect to the left atrium of your heart. The scar tissue stops the abnormal electrical signals from traveling from your pulmonary veins to your heart.
AFib ablation can reduce the symptoms of AFib. If your AFib has is not well controlled with medication or you are having side effects of medications, your doctor may recommend AFib ablation.
You may be a candidate for AFib ablation if:
AFib ablation is a safe and effective procedure when it is performed by an experienced electrophysiologist. However, there are risks associated with any medical procedure. Risks of AFib ablation include:
Heart ablation surgery is minimally invasive and serious complications are rare. However, because the procedure involves your heart, it is essential to follow all your doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of problems.
You may have some mild chest discomfort after your heart ablation procedure. You may also have some soreness around your incision. It is also common to have a mild sore throat if you had a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), which uses a probe that is inserted into your throat.
Your doctor will explain the AFib ablation procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions. To prepare for an AFib ablation procedure, you should:
On the day of your AFib ablation procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
You will stay in the hospital overnight after your procedure. You should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after you are discharged from the hospital.
AFib ablation usually takes 3-4 hours. You will stay in the hospital overnight after your procedure.
A specially trained doctor called an electrophysiologist performs the procedure in an electrophysiology lab.
You will be given general anesthesia so you are comfortable and remain still for the procedure. Specially designed catheters will be inserted into your veins, usually in your groin, and guided through your body to the upper left chamber of your heart.
The catheters record the electrical activity of your heart and create scar tissue in the appropriate area. Other procedures, such as electrical cardioversion and defibrillation, may be done at the same time.
After your procedure, the catheters will be removed. Your medical team will need to monitor your blood pressure and check the insertion site frequently, so you will stay in hospital overnight. It is very important that you follow your discharge instructions.
You may be instructed not to drive for a certain amount of time after the procedure.
Talk to your doctor about when you can resume normal activities or return to work. The small incision will heal itself in one week. You should see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended.
As you recover from general anesthesia, you must remain lying down for 4-6 hours and refrain from moving the limb where the catheter was inserted.
You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
If any of these symptoms are severe, you should dial 911 immediately.
Most people’s heart rhythm returns to normal after AFib ablation. However, some people may still need to take their heart rhythm medications. A small number of people may need to have another AFib ablation procedure in the future if their abnormal heart rhythm returns.
AFib ablation, including PVI, has a success rate of up to 90 percent, depending on the type of ablation you have. Your doctor will discuss potential success rates with you before your procedure.
UPMC specialists perform hundreds of AFib ablation and PVI procedures each year using the latest technology and techniques. If you require additional cardiovascular care, the specialists at UPMC have the skills and experience needed to perform advanced cardiovascular procedures and offer you the latest treatment options.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
