Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Ablation

Before the procedure, you’ll meet your cardiologist to review your symptoms, medical history, ECGs, and any other scans. They’ll discuss if ablation is recommended for you and the most suitable ablation method for your type of AF. 

Your cardiologist may recommend having an implantable loop recorder (ILR) fitted if you’ve had symptoms that suggest a heart rhythm problem, but are too brief or unpredictable to capture on a standard ECG. This device allows long-term heart rhythm monitoring so your cardiologist can detect problems that would otherwise be missed.

Your ablation will take place in our dedicated Surgery Centre. When you arrive, you’ll be shown to a private patient pod where you can change and prepare for the procedure. AF ablation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep for the procedure. 

During the procedure, your cardiologist will pass thin tubes called catheters into a blood vessel in your groin and guide them up into your heart using X-ray and mapping technology. Depending on your treatment plan, one of the following methods may be used:

Cryoablation

A catheter with a balloon tip is guided into the heart. Controlled freezing is used to create a ring of scar tissue that disrupts abnormal electrical signals.

Radiofrequency ablation

Targeted heating is delivered through the catheter to create small burns inside the heart. These tiny scars block the irregular electrical pathways, causing AF.

Pulsed field ablation

At Welbeck, we’re proud to be the first private centre in the UK to offer the FARAPULSE™ pulsed field ablation system for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This innovative, tissue-selective technology uses very short electrical pulses to create precise lesions in seconds while sparing nearby structures. It represents a major step forward in AF care, offering faster, safer procedures and highly targeted results.

Atrial fibrillation ablation usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. Once it’s complete, you’ll return to your private pod to recover, supported by a dedicated nursing team. You’ll be able to go home on the same day, but will need someone to collect you if you’ve had a general anaesthetic. 

Ablation is widely used and generally very safe, but all procedures carry some risk. Your cardiologist will discuss these with you before treatment. 

Possible risks include:

• bleeding or bruising at the groin entry site

• infection

• damage to a blood vessel

• puncture of the heart

• damage to heart tissue

• blood clots

• narrowing of the pulmonary veins

• exposure to X-ray radiation

Your consultant will give you clear instructions on how to prepare. 

This may include:

• adjusting or continuing certain medications

• not eating or drinking for a set period before a general anaesthetic

• arranging for someone to take you home after the procedure

On the day of your procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to take off and put on.

It’s normal to feel tired for a few days after atrial fibrillation ablation, and many people take a short period off work to rest. Mild chest discomfort, bruising in the groin, or a sensation of skipped beats can happen as the heart settles. These symptoms usually improve within a week.

For the first 48 hours, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Light walking is encouraged, but vigorous exercise, saunas, and swimming should be avoided for around 1 to 2 weeks or until your cardiologist advises. You shouldn’t drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

Atrial fibrillation can sometimes occur in the first few months after ablation, even if the procedure is successful, and occasional flutters or irregular beats are common. Your cardiologist may adjust your medications during this time to help control symptoms and protect against blood clots.

You’ll be given clear instructions about your medicines, follow-up care, and when to seek medical advice. Contact your cardiology team if you experience prolonged palpitations, increasing breathlessness, dizziness, or any symptoms that concern you.

Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your progress, review your heart rhythm, and assess how well the treatment has worked. Some people may benefit from a repeat ablation in the future, depending on the type and duration of their atrial fibrillation.

Please contact our Heart Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book atrial fibrillation ablation, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.