We cannot guarantee that the procedure will be a success for any single person. We know that persons who have AF continuously for years will have less chance of success while persons whose AF comes and goes, on its own or with help, have a better chance of success. There is a better chance of success when AF is treated relatively early.

Stages of Atrial Fibrillation

Paroxysmal AF comes and goes spontaneously. Paroxysmal AF can come and go frequently (for example weekly) or rarely (once of twice per year) and can last a few seconds to several days. We believe that episodes of AF that last longer than 6 hours can increase the risk of stroke and the tendency of the heart to return to AF. Medications can often control the frequency and the duration of episodes as well as help control how fast the heart beats when the episodes occur. If you have AF that is becoming more frequent, longer lasting and more distressing, ablation may be an alternative to medications.

As episodes of atrial fibrillation become more frequent or last longer, the heart changes. The upper chambers of the heart “remodel” to accept electrical currents that travel in ways that discourage normal rhythm and the size and shape of the muscle alters.

Persistent AF comes spontaneously but requires special treatment to convert it to normal.  Sometimes medication is sufficient to send the rhythm back to normal and often the patient requires a shock to the heart called electrical cardioversion. In many patients, medications need to be taken before the electrical shock and to be continued long term to help keep the heart in normal rhythm.  If you have AF that is becoming resistant to medical therapies, it may be that atrial fibrillation ablation may be your only next step before the condition becomes permanent.

Permanent AF means the AF is continuously (always) present and it cannot be converted to a normal rhythm with medications or the electrical shock. Persons with permanent AF usually have stretching and scarring of the upper chambers of the heart which over the years changes or “remodels” the heart. It may be impossible to retrain the heart to hold normal rhythm. However, if the patient has not had the permanent AF for too long and the upper chambers of the heart have not stretched too much, ablation attempts may still be considered.

We understand that treating AF is a process, not a simple fix, and it may take some time or require repeat procedures. We may not be able to eliminate all of your symptoms as some may be related to other conditions.

We will work with you to seek the best options and the best choices for you. You can have your questions answered by calling 1-888-873-1783 or click here to email us.