left atrial ablation

What exactly is the risk of a left atrial ablation?


This discussion is related to treatment for premature atrial contractions.

[Momto3]

What is the ablation for?

[rr2465]

I don't know that I can comment on the risks, but I believe they need to make a small hole in the wall of the atria to get over there.  So its more difficult because they have to get into the left atria to diagnose and possibly ablate as well as your heart need to heal from the hole they make (my doctor said it was minor).  I did not have this done, but the doctor was explaining to me all the things that my SVT could have been prior to the EP study.  Hope this helps.  Maybe some others know more...

[Jerry_NJ]

I had a brief discussion with my EP last Monday about treatment options for my AFib, I think that's the right Atrium.  I had no idea ablation can't be done to the left Atrium via a direct vein or artery path.  

As my only personal goal for getting into sinus is to increase my physical endurance, seems I should be able to do that while living with AFib, my EP said an ablation is too risky.  I asked what the risk is.  He said the risk of some complication is in the 5% range.  Now that must include complications as simple as infection in the groin or the like.  But I was surprised, and I don't know that he gave me that estimate for publication, but he did give it to me as I consider my options.

[twinbee]

My ablation for a-fib and a-flutter was in both right and left. To be honest I don't remember talking with the EP about any specific risks going into the left. We just talked about the basic risks of an ablation. Anyway, everything worked out fine.