Level A Evidence

4 Treatment Options Available

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Q: What is the success rate of AF ablation?

Success varies by AF type: Paroxysmal AF 75-80% after one procedure. Persistent AF 60-70%, may need repeat ablation. Longstanding persistent AF 50-60%. Success defined as freedom from AF without antiarrhythmic drugs at 1 year.

Q: Do I still need blood thinners after AF ablation?

Usually yes, at least for the first 2-3 months (blanking period). Long-term anticoagulation depends on stroke risk factors (CHA2DS2-VASc score), not just rhythm. High-risk patients continue anticoagulation even with successful ablation.

Q: What is the difference between pacemaker and ICD?

Pacemaker treats slow heart rates (bradycardia) by pacing. ICD treats fast, life-threatening rhythms (VT/VF) with shocks. Some devices combine both functions. ICDs are larger and more expensive.

Q: How soon can I exercise after ablation?

Light activity: 1 week. Moderate exercise: 2 weeks. Full activity including strenuous exercise: 4 weeks. This allows healing of the ablation lesions in the heart.

Afib, VT & SVT: Ablation, Pacemaker & ICD Therapy

Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause palpitations, dizziness, stroke, or sudden death. Modern electrophysiology offers curative catheter ablation for many tachycardias, and life-saving device therapy (pacemakers, ICDs) for bradycardia and sudden death prevention. Our partner centers have advanced 3D mapping systems and experienced electrophysiologists.

Condition Overview

Conditions We Treat

Atrial FibrillationVentricular TachycardiaSupraventricular TachycardiaBradycardiaHeart Block

Core Technologies

适宜人群

•Persistent atrial fibrillation requiring ablation
•Complex ventricular tachycardia ablation
•Redo ablation procedures
•Lead extraction for device infection
•His bundle pacing for heart failure

High-volume EP centers with >1,000 ablations/year

建议在本地考虑

•First-time AF ablation (paroxysmal)
•Routine pacemaker implantation
•Simple SVT ablation
•Cases with experienced local EP specialist

Straightforward cases with good local electrophysiologist

Evidence: Partner centers >1,000 ablations/year; 80% success for paroxysmal AF ablation; <1% complication rate for device implantation.

Treatment Options

Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

介入

适合：Symptomatic AF, failed antiarrhythmic drugs

技术：Pulmonary vein isolation with RF or cryoablation, 3D mapping

优势：60-80% cure rate, reduces stroke risk, improves symptoms

1-2 daysFrom $8,000

>500 AF ablations/year at top centers

Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

介入

适合：VT storm, recurrent VT, prior MI

技术：Substrate mapping, epicardial approach if needed

优势：Reduces VT burden, may avoid ICD shocks

2-3 daysFrom $12,000

Specialized VT ablation centers

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

介入

适合：Bradycardia, heart block, sick sinus syndrome

技术：Dual-chamber pacemaker, leadless pacemaker option

优势：Restores normal heart rate, symptom relief

1-2 daysFrom $5,000

High-volume device centers

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator)

介入

适合：Sudden death prevention, severe heart failure

技术：Transvenous or subcutaneous ICD

优势：Life-saving shock therapy for VT/VF

2-3 daysFrom $15,000

Standard electrophysiology service

费用对比

Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

US Hospital$35,000

UK Private$28,000

MediLink China$10,000

Save 71% vs US • Includes: procedure, 3D mapping, 1-2 day hospital stay

计算费用

治疗流程

Evaluation• Week 1

ECG monitoring (Holter/event recorder)
Echocardiography
CT scan for ablation planning (AF)
Antiarrhythmic drug trial if indicated

Procedure• Week 2

Catheter ablation or device implantation
Post-procedure monitoring
Device check and programming
Anticoagulation management (AF)

Follow-up• Months 1-12

Blanking period monitoring (ablation)
Device checks (pacemaker/ICD)
Recurrence assessment
Lifestyle modification counseling

Clinical Outcomes

AF Ablation Success

75-80%

paroxysmal AF

Device Implant Success

>99%

technical success

Major Complication Rate

<2%

ablation

Appropriate ICD Shock

5-10%

per year

常见问题

What is the success rate of AF ablation?

Success varies by AF type: Paroxysmal AF 75-80% after one procedure. Persistent AF 60-70%, may need repeat ablation. Longstanding persistent AF 50-60%. Success defined as freedom from AF without antiarrhythmic drugs at 1 year.

Do I still need blood thinners after AF ablation?

Usually yes, at least for the first 2-3 months (blanking period). Long-term anticoagulation depends on stroke risk factors (CHA2DS2-VASc score), not just rhythm. High-risk patients continue anticoagulation even with successful ablation.

What is the difference between pacemaker and ICD?

Pacemaker treats slow heart rates (bradycardia) by pacing. ICD treats fast, life-threatening rhythms (VT/VF) with shocks. Some devices combine both functions. ICDs are larger and more expensive.

How soon can I exercise after ablation?

Light activity: 1 week. Moderate exercise: 2 weeks. Full activity including strenuous exercise: 4 weeks. This allows healing of the ablation lesions in the heart.