Cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation

WHAT IS Cardiac ABLATION?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm associated with increased risk of stroke and heart failure and with symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure in which the doctor threads a flexible thin tube (catheter) through the blood vessels to your heart to terminate (ablate) abnormal electrical pathways in the heart tissue.

The goal of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is to eliminate the AF by preventing unwanted electrical currents, which typically travel from the pulmonary veins (large blood vessels that carry blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart) to the upper chambers of the heart. The standard ablation technique for accomplishing this goal is called pulmonary vein isolation. Over 90% of abnormal signals triggering AF  are located near the pulmonary veins.¹

Different catheter-based ablation devices and techniques may be used, including:

1. Cryoablation (cold-based)

2.Radiofrequency (RF) ablation (heat-based)

Together, you and your doctor can determine which type of catheter ablation is best for you.

Cryoablation

Cryoablation involves freezing the tissue around the pulmonary veins to block the signals triggering AF from entering the heart. 

Watch the video below to see how the Arctic Front Advance Pro^TM cryoablation system works.

RF ABLATION

Your doctor will identify the electrical signals causing your irregular heartbeat and will aim to eliminate them by using a catheter to apply heat (RF energy) to the targeted heart tissue.

Watch the DiamondTemp^TM Ablation Catheter video below to see how an RF ablation works.

IS AF ABLATION RIGHT FOR YOU?

Catheter ablation can improve your quality of life and eliminate or reduce symptoms. In some cases, patients may not require further drug treatment after receiving catheter ablation procedure². Some patients may require more than one catheter ablation procedure.

As with any medical procedure, there are benefits and risks with catheter ablation.

Remember to talk to your doctor about all benefits and risks that are specific to your condition, and any concerns or questions you have. Although many patients benefit from catheter ablation, results may vary. Your doctor can help you decide if it is right for you.

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_{This information is intended only for users in markets where Medtronic products and therapies are approved or available for use as indicated within the respective product manuals. Content on specific Medtronic products and therapies is not intended for users in markets that do not have authorisation for use.}

_{See the device manual(s) for detailed information regarding the instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse events.}