Risks

Possible atrial fibrillation ablation risks include:

• Bleeding or infection at the site where the catheters were inserted
• Blood vessel damage
• Heart valve damage
• New or worsening arrhythmia
• Slow heart rate that could require a pacemaker to correct
• Blood clots in your legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
• Stroke or heart attack
• Narrowing of the veins that carry blood between your lungs and heart (pulmonary vein stenosis)
• Damage to your kidneys from dye used during the procedure
• Death in rare cases

Discuss the risks and benefits of atrial fibrillation ablation with your doctor to decide whether it's right for you.