are you still having episodes ? sincerely Paul
Hi Carol,
Does this mean the procedure (RF ablation with PVI) has failed?
Recurrent AF soon after a PVI means that it is less likely to be successful, but there is still a chance that the scar will heal to cure the AF. There is also a chance that your AF will end up being less frequent and easier to control with medications. I know your goal is probably to come off medication -- sometimes the decision comes down another procedure or accepting less frequent AF or medication controlled AF.
Is this a premature judgement?
It is premature to draw final conclusions. At the Cleveland Clinic we considered recurrent AF after three months a failure.
Do some patients experience recurrent PAF in the early post op period while the "heart is healing" and later experience success?
That is correct. As I stated above, early recurrence means that a success is slightly less likely, but it is still possible -- don't lose hope.
How long post op do recurrences of PAF signal a failure.
Should have read all your questions first. We considered recurrence after three months a failure. For true paroxysmal AF, the success rate after a single procedure is around 60%, a second and sometimes third procedure can increase the success rates to close to 80-90%.
Keep the faith. I hope this helps and thanks for posting.