What if heart ablation doesnt work

Numerous clinical studies have shown that catheter ablation is more effective than pharmacologic therapy for both regaining rhythm control in AF patients and reducing symptoms, according to Dr. Martirosyan, but these long-term follow-up data confirm that the risk of thromboembolic complications remains high in those who fail the initial catheter ablation. Of the 18 strokes, only 4 occurred in the first year of follow-up. The remaining strokes accrued slowly over time.

Strokes were recorded up until 10 years after the ablation, the longest period that any patient was followed. True or False. Skip to main content. Conference Coverage. Stroke rates high when catheter ablation of AF fails.

If you also have heart disease, your risk of serious side effects from these medicines may be higher. Personal stories about considering catheter ablation These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers.

What matters most to you? Reasons to have catheter ablation Reasons not to have catheter ablation. I'm not worried about having a procedure that involves my heart.

The side effects of my heart medicines are bothering me a lot. The medicine side effects don't bother me that much. I'm bothered a lot by my heart rhythm symptoms.

My symptoms don't bother me. My quality of life is pretty good. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Having catheter ablation Not having catheter ablation. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts. Yes Sorry, that's not right. Catheter ablation helps many people who have atrial fibrillation. It works best for younger people who have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and little or no structural heart disease.

No You're right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. Yes That's correct. Experts don't know if ablation lowers your risk of stroke.

If a person takes a blood thinner before having an ablation, they will continue to take it to lower their risk of stroke.. No Sorry, that's not right. If a person takes a blood thinner before having an ablation, they will continue to take it to lower their risk of stroke. Yes That's right. You may need to have it done a second time. No Sorry, that's not correct. If the first ablation doesn't get rid of the problem completely, you may need to have it done a second time.

I'm not sure. It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. Decide what's next. Yes No. I'm ready to take action. I want to discuss the options with others. I want to learn more about my options. Your Summary. Your decision Next steps. Your knowledge of the facts Key concepts that you understood.

Key concepts that may need review. Getting ready to act Patient choices. What matters to you. Print Summary. Credits and References Credits. January CT, et al.

Circulation, published online March 28, DOI: Accessed April 18, Calkins H, et al. Heart Rhythm, 9 4 : — Tedrow UB, et al. Electrophysiology and catheter-ablative techniques. In V Fuster et al. New York: McGraw-Hill. Cappato R, et al. Updated worldwide survey on the methods, efficacy, and safety of catheter ablation for human atrial fibrillation.

Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 3 1 : 32— Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Get the facts Compare your options What matters most to you? Get the Facts Your options Have catheter ablation. These things include: 1 , 2 What type of atrial fibrillation you have paroxysmal or persistent.

Compare your options Have catheter ablation Don't have catheter ablation What is usually involved? The treatment is done in a hospital and takes 2 to 6 hours. You take heart rhythm medicine to treat atrial fibrillation. Check the facts 1. Yes No I'm not sure. You're right. That's correct. If ablation doesn't work the first time, can it be done again? That's right. Decide what's next 1. Do you understand the options available to you? Certainty 1. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information e. Top of the page. Current as of: August 31, Heart Rhythm, 9 4 : Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 3 1 : Home About MyHealth.

Include Images Large Print. You have symptoms that bother you a lot. Compare two options for atrial fibrillation treatment to improve your quality of life. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation , also called afib, can be debilitating. They may include palpitations, shortness of breath , fatigue, and weakness. But trying to reduce these symptoms through drugs that control the abnormal heart beat, called anti-arrhythmic drugs, can come with serious side effects. Another treatment option is catheter ablation.

During ablation, the abnormal heart tissue is destroyed by burning or freezing it. Ablation has a greater chance of reducing and even eliminating your symptoms and making you feel better. But the procedure is invasive, expensive, and not right for everybody. How do you choose between the two?