atrial fibrillation-failed ablation x2

[cobes6]

What is the next step for a failed cardiac ablation x2 for atrial fibrillation?

[ksig]

The previous two responders are spot on.  I was in your boat, having had two left atrial ablations fro AFIB and one right atrial ablation for atrial flutter.  Although my AFib events were considerably less frequent, I still was struggling with events that were ugly.  I already had a dual pacer implanted in between the ablations so it  was time to consider the AV node ablation.  I have to admit I struggled with the decision. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I would no longer have a heart that beat by itself.  I would be totally dependent on the pacer.   I finally decided to do it after a debilitating event and I am happy I did it.  I have since had a pacer change out and still doing well.  I still have AFib but not at the rock and roll rates of 250+ bpm.  Instead they are under 100bpm which is so much more manageable.  The events are less frequent and very tolerable.

Dont lose hope. I used to be on a boatload of meds and now I only take coumadin.  I feel it was well worth having the AV node ablation.  Good luck to you as you weigh your options.
ksig

[is_something_wrong]

I agree with Jerry on this one.

The question is if you are able to live with the A-fib (well controlled with medications) or not. If not (and all ablations fail), you have another option.

You can have a so-called His bundle ablation, where upper and lower chambers are permanently electrically disconnected. In that case, you are dependent on a pacemaker but that's not necessarily so bad. I think (but not sure of this) if they can electrically isolate the sinus node, you can have a pacemaking sensor on the sinus node, with a ventricular pacing electrode, providing a normal (physiological) heart rate response to exercise and other activity.

[twinbee]

If I were you I would look into the mini maze procedure

[Jerry_NJ]

Are you saying you had two separate ablations for AFib, and you still have AFib?

If that's it, then you EP would be the best to ask that question of.  Some questions occur to me:  
1) Is you AFib less or worse since the ablations
2) are you symptoms too difficult to live with
3) what else has been tried

A maze surgery may be effective, it was not for my AFib.  I have never had an ablation as my doctors consider the odds of it being successful are not good and my symptoms and age are such that I should be able to live with AFib.