What is Atrial flutter and fibrillation ablation and why do I need it?

Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial Fibrillation is due to the development of electrical short circuits inside the top chambers of the heart – usually beginning in the left atrium. This can result in very rapid and erratic conducting of the heart’s chambers producing shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness and palpitations. It also results in ineffective pumping of the upper chambers which lead s to slow blood flow in the upper chambers which can lead to blood clots and possibly stroke.

Atrial fibrillation ablation is recommended to those patients who are having frequent, symptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation to a point that it is having an impact on their quality of life.

Atrial Flutter: Atrial Flutter is due to a short circuit in one of the upper chambers of your heart. This can result in rapid and sometimes erratic pumping of the chambers which can lead to shortness of breath, palpitations, tiredness and in some, dizziness. It also results in ineffective pumping of the upper chambers which leads to slow blood flow in the upper chambers which can lead to blood clots and possibly stroke.

An ablation is a procedure aimed at maintaining normal (sinus) rhythm. This procedure does have several associated risks that should be discussed with your treating Electrophysiologist. Radiofrequency Ablation is the most common means of ablation. Pulmonary Vein Isolation is performed around the entire circumference of the Pulmonary Vein to disconnect all the electrical connections between the vein and the heart. This is performed in all patients undergoing atraila fibrillation ablation. Linear Ablation is performed joining anatomical structures (such as two pulmonary veins) – the result is an obstruction to electrical conduction and encourages atrial fibrillation/flutter to terminate. This is performed if you have longer episodes of atrial fibrillation or in those with other heart abnormalities.