What about catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation?

  Factors affecting the success rate of catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation: 1. Patient’s own factors Many factors affect the success rate of catheter ablation, but the most important is the mechanism of atrial fibrillation and the structural characteristics of the heart, especially the atria, which are related to the patient’s medical history, cardiac function status and co-morbidities, etc. Of course, in most cases, these unfavorable factors can be overcome by the physician.  Physician experience Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, especially for chronic atrial fibrillation, is a highly operative treatment, and physician experience will undoubtedly have something to do with the success rate.  3.The ablation tool used A smooth, efficient and safe tool can help to improve the success rate.  4.Benefit/risk ratio Excessive pursuit of a high success rate of ablation also has the possibility of increasing the risk. For safety reasons, the general principle of ablation is to be appropriate and avoid aggressive cardiology center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Dong Jianzeng.  The success rate of catheter ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation: the literature reports that the success rate is mostly between 40% and 90%. Quite simply, there are indeed many factors influencing this result, in addition to a very important factor that the literature reports success rates in different contexts, ranging from just one ablation to an average of 2 ablations, with some including more than one ablation in some patients. In any case, at least one thing that is completely believable is that the final success rate is not low and exceeds what many people think, and that is true without question.  Does recurrence of chronic AF after one ablation mean that it is a failure? This view is inevitably metaphysical. Unlike interventions for other diseases, catheter ablation of chronic AF comes closer to achieving a stable sinus rhythm with each re-ablation, which generally becomes easier and easier, unlike some diseases that are more difficult to treat again after one failure. More importantly, it is important not to pursue too high a success rate for a single ablation, as the risks to be taken will also increase. Therefore, catheter ablation of chronic AF should be done with confidence, but not with haste, and both doctors and patients should treat recurrences correctly.  Chronic atrial fibrillation without symptoms does not require ablation to restore sinus rhythm This view will be disproved with increasing evidence that in fact restoring sinus rhythm is significant in the long term. Provided, of course, that it is safe.  The trouble with catheter ablation of chronic AF: after catheter ablation you will face a certain percentage of recurrences, re-ablation, and even some complications. Some patients require multiple ablations, and cost is an important consideration. These are the costs of long-term benefits of atrial fibrillation cure, but they are worth it as long as the risk/benefit ratio is reasonable.