Heart proceedure

[Smitty694]

Afib -Had a Cather Ablation in Jan, still have
instances of Afib.  Dr has ordered a 2nd
Ablation.  What is the next step if this one
doesn't work?

[Smitty694]

Thanks for your reply.  
I have already agreed to have the Second Ablation.  I need to learn
more about "Maze Proceedure"
I always trust the Doctors, however, sometimes they don't always
spend enough time explaining the risks, or I forget to ask an important
question.

[Jerry_NJ]

A third...  your doctor should have a good idea of the likelihood of additional ablations working.   After that, if the AFib is really bad one might consider a mini-maze procedure a more serious/risky surgery, I believe.  Then there is the "living with it" as I do.  My symptoms are not debilitating, and my doctors don't want to do even the first ablation.

I'm with LindaTx, I think it reasonable to ask your doctor if you can give the first ablation a couple more months to be sure all healing is complete.  Then, if you symptoms are very troublesome earlier may be the best.

Good luck,

[Smitty694]

Had the ablation done St Rose Hospital-San Marten Campus, Las Vegas,NV on 1-10-2012. The Dr. said the settlle down period was 3 months and after a few "nurse appointments" gave me a Heart Monitor to wear.
The afib events was recorded and transmitted.  He then scheduled a second ablation for later this month. (I was told before the first ablation
it might take 2 Ablations to cure afib)
My main question, if the 2nd ablation doesn't stop afib, what is the
next step (If any) to cure my afib.

[LindaTX]

Where did you have your first ablation done?  Usually it takes several months after the ablation for your heart to settle down and stay on it's new "regular" pathway.  It actually can take 6 mo. or longer before it's considered unsuccessful.