Ablation Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
AFib ablation treatment options.
Living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) can affect how you feel day to day. You may notice symptoms like a racing heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, or decreased energy. For some people, medications can help manage these symptoms. For others, a procedure called cardiac ablation may be recommended.
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that helps correct abnormal electrical signals in the heart. The goal is to reduce AFib episodes, improve symptoms, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Your heart rhythm specialist will work with you to determine the approach that best supports your heart health.
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Understanding cardiac ablation for AFib
Cardiac ablation is a procedure that helps treat atrial fibrillation (AFib) by targeting small areas of heart tissue that cause abnormal electrical signals. During the procedure, a heart rhythm specialist (electrophysiologist) creates precise treatment areas to help restore a more regular heart rhythm. Many AFib ablation procedures focus on tissue near the pulmonary veins, where irregular signals often begin.
Types of AFib ablation
Your electrophysiologist will recommend the best ablation approach based on your condition and medical history. Common types of AFib ablation include:
- Radiofrequency ablation: Uses controlled heat energy delivered through a catheter to treat areas of heart tissue causing abnormal signals.
- Cryoablation: Uses extreme cold to freeze targeted tissue and disrupt abnormal electrical pathways.
- Pulsed field ablation (PFA): A newer, non-thermal approach that uses short electrical pulses to create targeted treatment areas. Systems such as FARAPULSE deliver pulsed field energy around the pulmonary veins to help treat AFib.
Learn more about AFib treatment options.
If you have been diagnosed with AFib or are experiencing symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, or shortness of breath, a consultation with a heart rhythm specialist can help you explore treatment options that support your heart health and overall wellness.
Who may benefit from AFib ablation?
Your doctor may recommend ablation if:
- AFib symptoms continue despite medication
- Medications cause unwanted side effects
- You experience frequent AFib episodes
- Your care team believes ablation may improve rhythm control
A consultation with a heart rhythm specialist can help determine whether ablation is appropriate and which approach may be best for you.
What to expect.
AFib ablation procedures are performed in a specialized electrophysiology (EP) lab, where physicians use advanced imaging and mapping technology to guide treatment.
During the procedure:
- Thin catheters are inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the groin
- The catheters are carefully guided to the heart
- The physician treats the targeted tissue using the selected ablation method
- Many patients return home the same day or the following day.