Atrial fibrillation and atrial arrhythmia ablation
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), including pulsed field ablation.
Urgent help: Call 999 or go to A&E if palpitations do not go away, or if you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel faint or have fainted.
About atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm problem in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and often fast. It can cause palpitations, breathlessness, tiredness and dizziness, and it increases the risk of stroke.
What is catheter ablation?
Catheter ablation treats the source of an abnormal rhythm from inside the heart. Thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are passed through a vein at the top of the leg to the heart, where energy is used to create tiny areas of scar that block the faulty electrical signals. For AF this usually means electrically isolating the pulmonary veins, where the abnormal signals most often start.
The energy can be heat (radiofrequency), freezing (cryoballoon), or very short, high-energy electrical pulses (pulsed field ablation).
Is it right for me?
For AF, UK guidance from NICE supports ablation for people with symptoms when medicines have not worked, are unsuitable or cause side effects. For SVT, ablation permanently cures the problem in most people. We will talk through the benefits and risks for you, and your preferences, before you decide.
What to expect
- The procedure is done in hospital, under a general anaesthetic or under local anaesthetic with sedation.
- You will be monitored afterwards and can go home once it is safe to do so.
- For AF you will usually take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine before the procedure and for a period afterwards.
- Most people are back to normal activities within a few days. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 7 to 10 days.
- Chest discomfort and palpitations are common in the first days or weeks and usually settle as the heart heals. Some people need a second procedure.
Risks
All procedures carry some risk. Bruising or soreness at the top of the leg and some chest discomfort are common and usually settle. Serious complications, such as stroke or bleeding around the heart, are uncommon. We will explain the risks and likely benefits for you personally before you decide.
Why choose Cambridge Cardiac
You will be under the care of Dr Claire Martin, an expert in atrial fibrillation and catheter ablation.
Claire has been treating atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm problems as a consultant at Royal Papworth Hospital since 2018, and holds a National Clinical Impact Award (2023) recognising her contribution to NHS patient care.
- She is a UK pioneer of pulsed field ablation, the newest way to treat AF: she was part of the teams that were first in the UK to use the Farapulse (2022) and Affera (2024) systems.
- She is experienced in a range of ablation methods, including radiofrequency, cryoablation and pulsed field ablation, so she can recommend the one that suits you.
- She helps set the standards, as an adviser to NICE on pulsed field ablation and a contributor to international guidelines on AF ablation, and leads UK research into new ablation technologies.
Next steps
- Contact us to arrange a consultation. If you have private health insurance, we will guide you through getting your insurer’s approval, and we can tell you about fees if you are paying for yourself.
- Consultations take place at Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge Heart Clinic and Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge, and The Harley Street Clinic in London (see locations).
Further information
- NHS: Atrial fibrillation
- NHS: Atrial fibrillation treatment
- NHS: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- NICE guideline NG196: Atrial fibrillation
- Royal Papworth Hospital: Ablation procedures, patient guide PI 127 (PDF)
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.