How long does it take to recover from AFib Ablation?

An atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure and therefore recovery time is considerably less than with an open heart surgery. Most people can return to normal activities within a week or so.

Ablations are usually done under general anesthesia. Some of the recovery from ablation is secondary to recovering from anesthesia rather than the procedure itself. Patients frequently report fatigue and lower than normal energy for the first week after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Typically, the patient stays overnight in the hospital although opportunities for same day discharge are being researched and are discussed below. After the procedure, the patient will lie still (bed rest) for 4-6 hours to minimize risk of bleeding at the catheter insertion sites in the groin.

There are lifting restrictions for the first 5-10 days after ablation to allow time for the groin to heal. Chest pain and shortness of breath are common after ablation and typically resolve in the first few weeks. Many people report elevated resting heart rate, which is actually normal after an ablation and has been associated with lower rates of AFib recurrence.

[mykittens]

I had an ablation in May 2023, it was not bad at all! I did go home the same day, I walked out of the hospital without any assistance. I did not experience any discomfort! I did have a cough for a few days after I got home, but recovered quickly. I have not had ANY Afib since my ablation, almost 4 months later. I had a great doctor, which I feel is very important. Check your doctor's ratings!

[jaslady]

Happy to hear the success stories (hopeful), yet, I didn't walk out, but bled out and was in the hospital for 4 days after and a week later still in pain and asking if I now have a hernia, where the pressure to keep the bleeding from the groin incision site, was intensive and a mess, as the nurses read the surgical report! What now? Hard lump at upper thigh in the stomach and through the stomach, pain. Would LOVE to be up and about longer than a few minutes, but need to rest, just getting to the bathroom or kitchen, while trying to stand and prepare food or refill my my water containers. Must wait 2 weeks for an appointment for a CT scan, as doctor forgot to write 'Stat' on the order! Hurry up and wait, and they will blame the patient, for failure to recover, due to addition damage, though the heart is now fixed from constant PVC's? When they were alarmed by 'couplettes', mine were 5 in a row, then 4 in a row, 3, and I wasn't doing anything, but lying in a hospital bed! Serious? For years, I was ignored and kept taking myself to the ER, in which they would keep me overnight and do heart stress tests. Years of the revolving door, 'first do no harm', was doing me harm by NOT treating/fixing this! But, I'm the 'problem child'? Tisk.

[paulwalker]

I had a PVI and I am still recovering over two months later. I couldn't eat for two weeks due to nerve damage and stomach pain from the ablation( this is apparently quite common) I had more episodes of arrhythmia than before the ablation, also apparently quite common. I was exhausted and am stll not up to pre ablation fitness now ( I was really fit before) now I am often tired and stamina is not recovered.

[justincase]

Sir, if you have a moment, how effective is this procedure? What are the potential complications or negative after effects?
Thanks.🙏

[robertmcdonald]

sir, I had one. it lasted 1 year 3 months. I was awake, lasted about 3 hrs. going in again this one will be asleep, lasting about 4 to 5 hrs. to me Not very dependable. but I'm on a massive amount of drugs to slow my heart. I will take the chance one more time. to get of the drugs, no no guarantee.but I afib at 180 to 200 bmp.

[carolwilliams]

No bowel movement in 4 days. After catheter ablation

[robertmcdonald]

sir, I had one. it lasted 1 year 3 months. I was awake, lasted about 3 hrs. going in again this one will be asleep, lasting about 4 to 5 hrs. to me Not very dependable. but I'm on a massive amount of drugs to slow my heart. I will take the chance one more time. to get of the drugs, no no guarantee.but I afib at 180 to 200 bmp.