AF Ablation Surgery Sydney
Atrial fibrillation is a serious heart condition, with some of the most common symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue and heart palpitations. Characterised by an irregular heartbeat which can also interfere with blood flow, it can drastically increase the likelihood of having a stroke.
But the good news is that it’s very treatable. Medication and cardioversion are both common treatment options, along with an AF ablation procedure. In fact, this last option is a specialty for Dr Ajita Kanthan. As one of Australia’s leading cardiac specialists, he’s been providing AF ablation in Sydney for a number of years, helping patients return to good health and back to living their normal lives in the process.
So if you’ve recently been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and have been advised that an AF ablation procedure may be a good option for you, get in touch with the clinic today. Dr Kanthan and his team will be able to talk you through your options.
FAQs
What is AF ablation procedure?
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An AF ablation procedure is intended to correct an irregular heartbeat that’s caused by atrial fibrillation. It uses either radiofrequency energy or freezing to ablate the issue. Different areas of the heart are treated with freezing energy in order to essentially create a “barricade” within the heart against the unwanted electrical impulses causing the issue. These impulses usually stem from the pulmonary vein, though every case is assessed individually to ensure that the correct procedure is carried out prior to surgery.
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How serious is an AF ablation procedure?
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Most modern AF ablation procedure is done via a catheter, inserted through a vein in the upper thigh/groin area. Accordingly, it’s minimally invasive — although it’s treating a serious health condition, it doesn’t carry the same risk as more invasive procedures like open-heart surgery.
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How long does the surgery take?
Surgery generally takes two to three hours and is most commonly performed under general anaesthetic. You’ll stay in hospital overnight after the surgery to ensure that you stay sufficiently immobile and then be sent home the next morning.
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How long does it take to recover from an AF ablation procedure?
Although you’ll be able to get up and about the day after the surgery, full recovery usually takes one week. You’ll likely need to take some time off work and avoid situations like heavy lifting. However, you shouldn’t find your mobility significantly impaired.
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Are there any complications or risks of undergoing an AF ablation procedure?
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As with any surgical procedure related to the heart, there are risks involved with this type of surgery. We take every precaution to minimise the chances of problems during or after surgery, and if you are considering an AF ablation in Sydney, we are able to discuss the possible side effects in more detail with you as part of our consultation.
