Minimally-Invasive Ablation Procedure?

[tc1414]

I will be going in for testing next month to see if i am a candidate for what my cardio explained is a "minimally-invasive ablation" procedure. I'm doing this because I have extra heartbeats associated with atrial fibrillation. He told me that it would involve using a wire to go through a major artery in my thigh and essentially "burning" off pathways from my atria to ventricles ( if I'm recalling correctly). I've been trying to research ablation procedures online, but keep coming up with very different things than what he explained...things like open-heart operations, ones involving incisions in your side, and complete AV node ablations (which my doc ensured me was not what he was talking about).
So, if anyone has had this procedure before, i was hoping you could let me know your experiences, and if it ended up helping or not. Thanks!

[tc1414]

thanks so much for the encouragement and sharing your experiences! a lot of folks have been relaying positive experiences with this procedure, so it definitely makes me feel better about the possibility of having it done. i guess i really just want to be sure that i need it done before i go through with it!

[twinbee]

I also had a successful ablation in Januay 07. My ablation was to "cure" my a-fib and flutter. The procedure took almost 8 hours. I spent 4 nights in the hospital (to stablize my coumadin levels). Recovery was quick and easy. Right after the procedure I did have some mild chest pain whenever I took a deep breath, however that went away in a couple of days. The only complaint I had was that my back hurt due to laying flat for so many hours. As of today I have had no a-fib or a-flutter attacks.

[Sweetwaterguy]

I had a successful ablation in December 06.  My doctors explained the procedure as a "low risk" procedure, but not a "no risk" one.  Most centers who perform the procedures talk about an 80% success rate.  Many even use the word "cure" to describe the outcome.  
Mine was done in Utah at a major hospital that has great experience in heart issues.  The doctor was also exceptionally experienced.  Most doctors are.  I had a catheter placed in my groin through a vein into my heart.  Another was in the neck.  I am not sure if everyone uses two catheters for the surgery.  I suspect that some do not.  I entered the hospital the day before the ablation for extensive testing.  The procedure was performed in the afternoon and I was released to go home the following day.  Two nights in the hospital.  Recovery was fairly rapid.  I was restricted lifting for several days, and it took a few days to get full stamina back, but I was pleased with the speed of recovery.  To date my heart is in normal rhythm and I take no medications other than a statin and a daily aspirin.  
  Best of luck to you, and hopefully will be among those who experience a "cure."