Ask the doctor: Catheter ablation for afib
I have been taking a heart rhythm medicine to treat my atrial fibrillation. However, it is not working very well. Should I consider a catheter ablation procedure or try other medicines first?Another concern about ablation is safety. While medicines used to treat afib are generally quite safe and usually well tolerated, ablation has serious risks. Newer devices seek to minimize these problems with features such as catheter tips infused with saline to prevent them from overheating or creating blood clots. Catheters that use laser beams or freezing instead of heat to destroy problem tissue are also being developed. Ask your doctor if it's best to try other medications or explore catheter ablation in your case. If you choose ablation, find a physician who has extensive experience with the procedure.
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