afib cath ablation done in 2 sessions pros/cons

[rhblake57]

My cardiologist says he would do catheter ablation in 2 sessions because I am age 83.
I note you indicated atrial scarring and atrial flutter likely in second session in a previous MD note on this site.
Still true?
Richard B.

[DeltaDawn23]

I will be interested in what you find out and decide about this.  I was told by my University of Michigan EP that my odds of success were 50% first time, 75% second time -- having to do with dialation of the left atria.  I am 66, female with A-fib.  U of M only uses radio frequency ablation.  I just had an echo, so will find out this month if I have any changes.  My EP said my enlarged left atrium may have shrunk in the past year with no Afib episodes (due to anti-arrythmic meds).

[tom_h]

Which hospital, Richard?  I had mine done at UMass in Worcester.

[Fitty4117]

My cardiologist said the cryo is safer because they can test before they do permanent damage and not do it in that spot if it effects the normal pacemaker of your heart. He said the problem is the success rate and permanent cure rate is lower with cryo as opposed to radio frequency. The Harvard Brigham and Womens Center has a video online where they use both and explain it a lot on an older woman. You should check it out.

[annoyed87]

Hello, Have you spoken to your cardiologist about cryogenic ablation, rather than radiofrequency? I hear it is the safer alternative for A-fib. I'm sorry but I'm not qualified to give my opinion on the amount of sessions affecting the level of scarring one might get in surgery from multiple procedures. I hope someone else can give input on this.

Kind regards,