Cardiac Ablation How serious is heart ablation surgery? What are the risks and side effects? Ablation has serious risks, although they are rare. They include stroke and death. If ablation doesn't work the first time, you may need to have it done again. What is the life expectancy after an ablation? After a single ablation procedure, arrhythmia-free survival rates were 40%, 37%, and 29% at one, two, and five years. Most recurrences occurred within the first six months, while arrhythmias recurred in 10 of 36 patients who maintained sinus rhythm for at least one year. How long does it take to recover from a cardiac ablation? If you have catheter ablation, you'll likely feel ready to return to work a day or two after your procedure. If your job requires physical labor, you may need a few extra days before returning to work. After catheter ablation, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least three days. Is cardiac ablation painful? Most people do not feel pain during the procedure. You may sense mild discomfort in your chest. After the ablation is over, your doctor will remove the guide wire and catheters from your chest. cardiac ablation surgery video ablation procedure video ablation heart procedure cardiac ablation heart ablation heart ablation surgery video cardiac ablation procedure catheter ablation procedure 3d animation surgery ablation animation surgery cardiac ablation procedure video catheter ablation heart ablation procedure video 3d surgery animation 3d surgery animation atrial fibrillation animation bypass surgery animated catheters ercp animation heart 3d animation heart stent surgery animation microdiscectomy animation surgery 3d animation svt ablation procedure tavr procedure animation