What you can expect

Before

Atrial fibrillation ablation is done in the hospital. A specialist will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you a medication called a sedative to help you relax.

The amount of sedation needed for the procedure depends on your specific arrhythmia and other health conditions. You may be fully awake or lightly sedated, or you may be given general anesthesia (fully asleep).

During

One of the following ablation techniques is used to create small scars in your heart and block the abnormal heart rhythms:

• Heat (radiofrequency energy)
• Extreme cold (cryoablation)

You may feel some minor discomfort when the catheter is moved into your heart or when the dye is injected and when energy is being delivered. If you have severe pain or shortness of breath, let your doctor know.

The procedure usually takes three to six hours. Complicated procedures may take longer.

After

Following your procedure, you'll be moved to a recovery area to rest quietly to prevent bleeding from the site where the catheters were inserted into the blood vessels. Your heartbeat and blood pressure will be monitored continuously to check for complications.

Depending on your condition, you may be able to go home the same day as your procedure. If you go home the same day, plan to have someone drive you.

You may feel a little sore after your procedure, but the soreness shouldn't last more than a week. You'll usually be able to return to your normal activities within a few days after undergoing cardiac catheter ablation.