Risks of the procedure

Bruising in the groin is common after this procedure. However, this usually disappears within a week and does not cause a problem. Life-threatening complications, including puncturing of the heart or lungs, are extremely rare, arising in less than 1 in 500 people. In most cases these complications are easily treated. Sometimes your heart may go into a different rhythm that stops us from continuing with the procedure. In this situation we may give you an electric shock (cardioversion) under anaesthetic. We would then continue with the ablation procedure once your heart rhythm is regular.

The amount of radiation you are exposed to from the X-ray equipment is monitored carefully, especially as the procedure can last several hours. The radiation from the X-ray equipment is equivalent to 2½ years of background radiation (radiation that is normally found in the atmosphere and you are exposed to every day). There is a 1% to 2% risk of needing a pacemaker after radio-frequency ablation. However, this risk may be higher in some people and your consultant will discuss this with you.