I had my ablation for a-fib and flutter back in January 2008. I am off all meds (except for a daily aspirin) and have been in NSR for the past 7 years.

I agree with Paual ( Paul60) and what doctor Caulkin says in the last few paragraphs of what petey posted. That is, the long term outcomes now are much better with more advanced ablation technology compare to 2001-2002. So, as Dr. Caulkin points out, the long term statistics in the report are absolute worse case. I truly believe that the long term outcome are much better now.

Also, the improved quality of life should be considered too. I look at myself now who has a much more active and fulfilling life compare to before the ablation. So, I am with Paul 100%.

As far as EPs pushing the ablation, well, in my case, my EP wanted to go with drugs and cardioversion first. But, based on the information on this site AND learning about the ablation procedure/technology NOW, compare to 2002, I decided to go for ablation without trying the drugs at all. In general, drugs do not agree with me ( lots of side effects). So, in my case, I was the one who pushed for ablation based on sound information that I had.

As long term member might know, I am very much into natural remedies and I do NOT jump into drugs and/or procedures easily. But, these days, for afib, I believe ablation with a good experienced EP, can really improve the quality of life with minimal risk compare to 2002. So, if nothing has worked for your afib and you are still sitting on the fence about ablation, I believe you should go for ablation and get your life back. Just my opinion.

Scott

Here is a good "summary" article on advances in ablation.

What I took away from the article:

1) Safety has improved.
2) Mapping improves outcomes.
3) Targeting of rotors does too.
4) To get better results than conventional ablation delivers, you need to get your ablation at a cutting edge center.

petey

Thanks all. Interesting that you mention rotors, Petey. My EP is reserving the Topera mapping catheter which helps target the rotors sustained by tissue not necessarily contained within the PV ablation zone. I was a little surprised at first about this method for me. I'm a 37 year old athlete -- lesion set around the PV's should do it. However, perhaps it is the finer mapped ablations beyond the PV isolation that truly do improve long term efficacy. And of course the surgeons say there are any number of other contributors such as the left atrial appendage, SVC, mitral roof, etc. Life is not perfect. So why should anything else be =)

Go see Natale...there is no one better....not a mention of his name in this thread.....He talks about curing his patients....I'm approaching 2 years since the Maestro Ablated me.

McHale

You see there's EP's and Superstars but Natale is a LEGEND!

Enough said,

McHale