View Personal Stories about AFib Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Overview

Hear about the experiences of people who have received Medtronic cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib). You’ll learn firsthand what life was like for these particular patients both before and after their procedures.

These stories reflect individual experiences. Not every person will receive the same results. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Only your doctor can determine if this therapy is right for you.

Dennis' Story

Meet Dennis, a retired firefighter whose journey with AFib (atrial fibrillation) included hospital cardioversions and medications prior to receiving a cryoablation. He describes how he felt his persistent AFib in his fingertips. Post-cryoablation, he is off all medications for his heart.

Clint's Story

While 56-year-old Clint was suffering from AFib, he found it increasingly difficult to perform his regular work duties and would be in bed by 8 p.m. most evenings. In the days and weeks following his cryoablation, his nights got easier, his days got better, and his constant fear of AFib disappeared.

Sue's Story

Sue is a 68-year-old retired nurse who, faced with the uncertainty of when her AFib episodes would occur and a strong desire to attend her son's upcoming wedding, decided to investigate cryoablation as a potential treatment option. Post-procedure, her husband, Donald, declared, "It was like a shot of adrenaline into her and she was back to her old self almost immediately."

Ben's Story

Ben is a fitness-oriented 32-year-old who has battled AFib since he was 19 years old. His recurring symptoms were not worth the risk of continuing the sports that he loved. His failed radiofrequency ablation led him to a new physician who suggested he try cryoablation. Since his cryoablation, his quality of life is back 100% and he is not holding himself back from his sports any longer.

Theo's Story

Theo owns a personal chef business and is an avid sailor and cyclist. He had never imagined that at 50 years old, AFib would affect every aspect of his life and severely impact his normal ability to live life to its fullest. One day he received a mailer from an electrophysiologist at a local hospital who was holding a talk about AFib. That talk changed his life and ultimately gave him his life back.

John's Story

John is a 75-year-old retired truck salesman who received a Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor that helped diagnose his AFib. After consulting with his doctor, he decided to have a cryoablation procedure.

Dawn's Story

Dawn is an active woman from California who began experiencing symptoms several years ago. After undergoing a cryoablation procedure in 2015, Dawn said, "The cryoablation procedure has enabled me to continue the lifestyle that I've have enjoyed for so long."

Norma's Story

Norma was about 40 years old when she first began experiencing symptoms of AFib. After her husband read an article about the cryoablation procedure, she made an appointment with a physician. Norma stated that, "After the cryoablation, the quality of my life improved tremendously." Now she is once again able to spend time with her grandchildren.

Nathan's Story

Nathan is a busy father and husband who first noticed symptoms when he was 35. After meeting with his doctor, he decided to have a cryoablation procedure. "I could tell from the moment I woke up I was me again." Now Nathan is living life "full steam" again.

Jim's Story

When he did not get the results he wanted from medication, Jim attended a seminar on cryoablation. After one night in the hospital, Jim is back to living life.

Heath's Story

Heath is a partner in a software consulting company. When he first started noticing symptoms of AFib, they were infrequent. When they began occurring more often, he made an appointment with his cardiologist and was referred to an electrophysiologist (EP). He chose to have a cryoablation procedure over drug therapy.

Barbra's Story

Barbra was on a hike when she first began experiencing symptoms. She had always been very active and even played on the LPGA tour. She was prescribed antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), but they were not working effectively. She decided to have a cryoablation procedure and now says she has her quality of life back.

Ching Ling's Story

Ching Ling was a professional tennis player and began experiencing symptoms of AFib during a match. She tried several medications, but her symptoms returned within 18 months and she was unhappy with the side effects. She first had a radiofrequency ablation, and then a cryoablation procedure. She is now symptom-free.

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.