Why do I need an AF Ablation?

Your cardiologist may recommend an AF ablation if you continue to experience symptoms despite medication, cannot tolerate anti-arrhythmic medications, or if your atrial fibrillation is significantly affecting your quality of life.

Common symptoms include:

• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Reduced exercise tolerance

The aim of the procedure is to improve symptoms, restore a more regular heart rhythm, reduce hospital admissions, and improve your overall quality of life.

How do I prepare for an AF Ablation?

Your procedure will be performed in hospital, and you will receive admission paperwork before your scheduled procedure.

Please ensure you:

• Complete and return all admission paperwork prior to your admission.
• Fast for six hours before your admission time unless instructed otherwise.
• Continue taking your regular medications unless advised differently by your cardiologist.
• Bring an up-to-date list of your medications with you.
• Pack an overnight bag, as most patients remain in hospital overnight.

Your cardiologist will provide specific instructions regarding blood thinning medications such as Warfarin, Xarelto, Eliquis or Pradaxa. It is important not to stop these medications unless specifically instructed to do so.

What should I expect on the day of my AF Ablation?

When you arrive at hospital, you will be admitted and prepared for your procedure. You will change into a hospital gown, and a nurse will complete your admission observations.

Unlike many cardiac procedures, AF ablation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure.

Small tubes (catheters) are inserted through veins in your groin and carefully guided into your heart using specialised X-ray and three-dimensional mapping technology.

Your electrophysiologist will identify the areas responsible for triggering atrial fibrillation and create small areas of scar tissue using either heat (radiofrequency ablation) or freezing (cryoablation). These scars interrupt the abnormal electrical pathways causing your irregular heartbeat.

The procedure generally takes between two and four hours, depending on the complexity of your heart rhythm.

Once complete, the catheters are removed and pressure is applied to the insertion sites to minimise bleeding.

What happens afterwards?

Following the procedure, you will recover in hospital while your heart rhythm, blood pressure and puncture sites are monitored.

Most patients remain in hospital overnight and return home the following day.

You may experience mild chest discomfort, fatigue, or occasional palpitations during the first few weeks after your procedure. This can be a normal part of the healing process and does not necessarily mean the procedure has been unsuccessful.

Your cardiologist will arrange a follow-up appointment to review your recovery and discuss any ongoing treatment, including whether you should continue blood thinning or heart rhythm medications.