Atrial fibrillation ablation

Atrial fibrillation ablation is a treatment for an irregular and often very fast heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib). The treatment uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in an area of the heart. The signals that tell the heart to beat can't pass through scar tissue. So the treatment helps block faulty signals that cause AFib.

Atrial fibrillation ablation is done to fix and prevent an irregular and often very fast type of heartbeat called AFib. You may need this treatment if you have a fast, fluttering heartbeat that doesn't get better with medicine or other treatments.

Possible atrial fibrillation ablation risks include: Bleeding or infection at the area where the catheters were placed. Blood vessel damage. Heart valve damage. New or worsening irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. Slow heart rate that could require a pacemaker to fix. Blood clots in the legs or lungs. Stroke or heart attack. Narrowing of the veins that carry blood between the lungs and heart, called pulmonary vein stenosis. Damage to the kidneys from dye, called contrast, used to see the arteries during the treatment. Talk to your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of atrial fibrillation ablation. Together you can decide whether the treatment is right for you.

You may have several tests to check your heart health. Your healthcare team tells you how to prepare for atrial fibrillation ablation. You usually need to stop eating and drinking the night before the treatment. Tell your care team about all the medicines you take. The team tells you how or if you should take them before the treatment.