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How long does an ablation last? Are multiple ablations possible?
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Oct 26, 2025 | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
@suerte
Thank you for sharing your story. That’s helpful. I saw a local EP who was recommended and takes on complex cases that others won’t take or where others have failed. Told me no one has done more PFAs than he has. He predicts my afib case will take 2-3 ablations. There is another EP in the next county who was the first to do PFA and states he has the most experience. I’m thinking about getting a second opinion to see if he also thinks 2-3. That’s hard to hear up front, but I’ve been in paroxysmal afib 30% of the time in recent months and frequent for 5 years. Very symptomatic. Exhausting condition and hard to hear that estimate and even then no guarantees and told it will likely come back with more ablations needed. Rate control didn’t go well — scary and never again. Recently ended up in the hospital from a scary TIA and aphasia after afib. That got my attention. Have also had a few retinal TIAs after afib. Started Eliquis low dose now but have to double to qualify for ablation. Don’t metabolize meds well with missing liver enzymes so that scares me. Have added risk for nerve damage during ablation due to a rare hereditary neuropathy where light pressure can case nerve damage. All very worrisome. Talking to my regular cardiologist again today. We’ll see how this all plays out.
Replies to "@suerte Thank you for sharing your story. That’s helpful. I saw a local EP who was..."
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I definitely hear your concerns; it sounds like you do have a complex condition and I am very empathetic. From what I have read, it can take more than one ablation if there is a complex situation with many ectopic foci to deal with. I think it sounds like you have found an EP who is at least up front with what it will take for some resolution. I also know what you mean about the medication issue. Some people can tolerate them, but others can't. It is not "one size fits all." I am also surprised that you were started on low dose Eliquis; when I asked my cardiologist if I could back off the regular dose after several months of NSR, he practically had a fit about my trying to treatment plan. I don't know what your age is but I thought being close to 80 and pretty lean would qualify my taking a reduced dose and he made it clear that he didn't agree. I had to take Eliquis for a month before he would even allow me to have a cardioversion. The TIA you mentioned is truly scary. You do not want to have a stroke; it is very risky to not address that. I don't know what I think I would do if I were you; maybe seek out a specialized clinic where they are doing the latest research for a second opinion? Some of those large medical centers really want to handle complex cases and if you could afford to go somewhere that has the latest techniques, it might be worth it. It sounds like you really are seriously bothered by the symptoms, as I am when it occurs. I seriously don't know how anyone can "just live with this." I wish you the best; keep asking questions and decide to do what is best for you.