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Atrial fibrillation (AF) refers to abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias that are caused by chaotic electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart known as the atria. This activity leads to an irregular heart rate and a decreased ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. While symptoms vary from person to person, atrial fibrillation can result in palpitations, exhaustion, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, and dizziness.

Currently there are two ways to try and control atrial fibrillation. One is medication and the second is ablation therapy.

Cardiac ablation or catheter ablation as it is often referred to; is a procedure wherein a thin catheter is inserted into the heart next to the pulmonary veins.

• The surgeon then applies radio energy to the tip of the catheter and cauterizes or ablates the tissue in the surrounding area.
• By disconnecting the pulmonary vein from the atria, abnormal electronic activity cannot be transmitted to the rest of the heart thus putting an end to arrhythmias and artrial fibrillation. This is the theory behind the procedure.

The reality of the situation can differ significantly from case to case. Patients who suffer from paroxysmal AF or fibrillations in small intensity and frequencies and have an otherwise normal health are the best candidates for ablation therapy. Those who suffer from heart valve failure or heart disease do not show much improvement with this form of treatment.

As with any other invasive procedure there are certain risks involved with AF ablation therapy. Complications include bruising, excessive bleeding, scarring, injury to the lungs, heart or esophagus, heart attack, and stroke. However, many experts believe that the benefits far outweigh the potential risks when it comes to AF ablation. Benefits of the procedure include a reduction in the risk of a stroke, less severe symptoms related to heart arrhythmias, and the high chance of discontinuation of blood thinner medications and anti-arrhythmic drugs post surgery.

The outlook towards catheter ablation therapy is promising. Studies show that nearly 70 percent of patients who have undergone the procedure no longer require lifelong anti-arrhythmic medications and report a reduction in AF episodes. However, ablation therapy does not completely cure the condition and in many cases, AF may recur in two or more years after the operation. Long-term studies on the benefits of AF ablation still need to be carried out, as this procedure is still a relatively new one.

1. http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/heart/services/arrhythmias/medical.html

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