Patients generally take blood thinners up until the ablation procedure, and receive extra blood thinners during the ablation procedure to reduce the risk of a blood clot in the heart that could lead to a stroke.

Many patients will be able to leave the hospital the same day they undergo a cardiac ablation procedure.

The success rate of ablation depends in part on the type of atrial fibrillation that you have. If you’re in and out of atrial fibrillation, known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, your success rate is going to be higher. If you’re in atrial fibrillation all the time, called persistent atrial fibrillation, then your success rate is going to be lower.

Most people can return to their regular activities the day after they leave the hospital. You’ll receive written instructions on post-catheter ablation care.

During the procedure, the doctor will insert electrode catheters through a vein or artery in your groin. He or she will thread it to your heart and emit a pulse of radiofrequency energy that destroys the abnormal tissue to correct the irregular heartbeat.