Any Ablation Success Stories?

Excellent advice!

Hello Hamilton ....
I had AFib for about 2 years. However, it was controlled very well by meds. Because I wasn't suffering badly, I had to wait 8 months to have my ablation at Sunnybrook. I never was cardioverted. Three months in everything seems to be going well. Only time will tell.

I’m 72 years old and over the last five years I have had three ablations. All from same Electrocardioligist. I believe that I caused the first two by overexerting in a very hot climate. The second one actually worked as my rhythm became regular but it left me with an elevated heart rate. I’m normally in mid 60’s bpm and it went up to mid 90’s. The third was a “tune up “ about a year and a half ago, it fixed the rapid rate and I’ve been feeling great since. The procedures were not bad, in and out the same day. Takes about two weeks to get back to exercising at my current levels which are pretty vigorous.

Yes! Going on almost three years.. an easy procedure with one nite in hospital. Success rate around 85%. Off of blood thinners. Had to be on for three months after procedure. If doc suggests ablation, don’t hesitate! Good luck

I too also had a successful ablation now more than three years ago. For a more comprehensive treatment of the choice you face, I would recommend the book "The AFIB Cure..." by two prominent electro-cardiologists. The book explains how it isn't the procedure itself that determines success, but also the lifestyle choices the patient makes post-op that determine its success as a "cure" TA

Hurricane188,
Thanks. I live in the Tampa area and am looking for an EP for ablation with possible PFA or whichever is best. Been researching EP's but none advertise which ablations they offer. I'm 66 yo. Had a triple CABG, atrial and mitral valve replacement ( biological valves), and a atrial appendage ligation in Feb. 20.
Surgery was 8 hrs and 45 min I'm told. Paroxysmal and afib flutter ever since.
Could you please tell me what EP or at least what medical group or hospital your EP is associated with ?
Also, why you chose PFA. I appreciate any input you may have.
Thanks

My ablation has been successful for 19 months. I had 4 cardioversions in 9 months and was encouraged to have an ablation. I was told some patients may need a “ tune up”. So far so good with me. A month after my ablation I needed to have a pacemaker implanted. This further improved my quality of life. I believe the EP you choose and where the procedure is performed will affect the quality of your outcome. I had mine done at the Cleveland Clinic. Top notch facility and providers.

Yes Edward. Just received the "A-Fib Cure book yesterday! Lifestyle choices are imperative. I like the list of questions they suggest for asking an EP during pre-ablation consultation. Having a-fib (paroxysmal) and a-fib flutter since my triple CABG and 2 valves replacement in Feb. I've been looking into ablation in my Tampa, Fl. area.
I have the 2025 updated edition of the book. As covered in the book, drugs as the first line of a-fib treatment in and antiquated as antirhythmic drugs have serious side effects and only have a 55% success rate for controlling afib the first year. Although, some insurances what you to "suffer" drugs before ablation! Doesn't make sense but saves them $$$.

I chose the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. David Bradley, EP. Excellent team. State of the art equipment. I had to wait 3 months for an appointment, but for me it was worth the wait. They do PFA up there. That is what I wanted. I had read where the procedure is better at protecting the surrounding organs from damage: ie Esophagus, etc… I had my PFA two weeks ago. No problems. Very smooth. Good luck

I have Agib and will be having a CT scan to map the heart prior to the ablation. Has anyone had an MRI of the heart for mapping purposes rather than a CT? Can you avoid using the dye?