Question about Ablation for Afib

[fran2]

My cardiologist is suggesting I have a proceedure to hopefully stop me from having PAF.  I asked if this was an ablation, and he said it was something similar to that, but our conversation was sidetracked and I forgot to ask the name of the proceedure.  He mentioned something about pulmonary veins and radiofrequency.  Is there some new proceedure out there for AFIB?  I've scoured the internet, but don't see anything different than ablation.  

Also, can someone tell me if they have to insert a pacemaker after the AFIB proceedure?  Does that pose more risks in the long term?  I'm worried about having a pacemaker.  Although if it keeps the Afib away than I'd rather that.

Any info would be appreciated.

[paaljala]

pretty sure only ablation procedure is option for A FIB . maybe you should see another cardiologist for a 2nd opinion . sincerely Paul

[sueinns]

You should speak to your doctor for more detailed clarification re: pacemaker.  I have a friend who had a successful ablation for atrial fibrillation and did not require a pacemaker.  Another friend who also has AF was told that he would most likely require a pacemaker.  Since meds are working pretty well for him at this time, he declined the ablation for that reason.

[arthur]

The pacemaker option is normally used for folks who have chronic AFib, and for whom a targetted ablation procedure was found not to be viable.  Generally, PAF which has a PV origin, is treatable with RF ablation, and these days, the techniques target isolation of the foci (electrically active cells) located in those pulmonary veins...with no, NO, pacemaker requirement.  The pacemaker is needed when the ablation is aimed at the AV node (central natural pacemaker) in order to stop your heart from beating too rapidly and erratically. I'm sure your doc was referring to the RF ablation of the foci in your PVs.

-Arthur

[fran2]

Thanks for the info.....much appreciated...

[tickertock]

the procedure you're cardio is speaking of is probably a PVI ( pulmonary vein isolation ablation). As Arthur mention many cases of a-fib are triggered from ectopic foci within or near the pulmonary veins.