Benefits and Risks Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Benefits

Catheter ablation may treat atrial fibrillation. In combination with a complete program of treatment, catheter ablation may improve your quality of life and eliminate or reduce the unpleasant symptoms of atrial fibrillation like shortness of breath, fatigue, or weakness. Be sure to speak with your doctor about your condition.

The procedure may be an effective way to treat atrial fibrillation, improving patients’ quality of life.

Risks

Complications, while infrequent, can occur during catheter ablation. Some of the risks include bleeding and bruising where the catheter was inserted, cough, shortness of breath, infection, temporary or permanent stroke, severe complications leading to hospitalization or potentially death. Your physician can further explain these complications as a part of a comprehensive risk/benefit evaluation, as you consider catheter ablation for your condition. This treatment is prescribed by your physician. This treatment is not for everyone. Please talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. Your physician should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Although many patients benefit from the use of this treatment, results may vary. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information. For further information, please call the Medtronic toll-free number at 1-800-551-5544 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, CT) or see the Medtronic website at medtronic.com.

Catheter Ablation Risks

The following video discusses some of the possible risks of catheter ablation.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.