A same-day, catheter-based procedure that electrically isolates the pulmonary veins to restore and maintain normal rhythm in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AFib. Performed by Ilyas K. Colombowala, MD, FACC, FHRS, board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist serving Northwest Houston and surrounding communities.
A new procedure center at the Texas Medical Center
The Advanced Cardiovascular Institute at the Texas Medical Center, at 6624 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, opens in June 2026, our new ambulatory surgery center for cardiac electrophysiology. It will perform catheter ablation, pacemaker, ICD, and loop recorder procedures in the Texas Medical Center for the comfort and convenience of our patients.
Consultations and follow-up continue at our Hargrave Rd clinic in Northwest Houston, with procedures performed at the most appropriate location: Houston Methodist Willowbrook, Houston Methodist Cypress, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, St. Luke’s The Vintage, Memorial Hermann Memorial City, or the new TMC ASC. Learn more → or call (832) 478-5067 to schedule.
Why we ablate atrial fibrillation
The bursts of electricity that start most atrial fibrillation episodes originate from short sleeves of muscle that wrap around the openings of the four pulmonary veins. Ablation builds an electrical barrier around those openings so the bursts can't reach the rest of the upper chamber. For paroxysmal AFib, success rates approach 75–90% with a single procedure; for persistent AFib, the figure is lower but still meaningful, and outcomes are better the earlier we move.
Modern evidence supports moving to ablation sooner rather than later in symptomatic patients, particularly young, otherwise-healthy patients who tolerate medications poorly or want to avoid long-term antiarrhythmic therapy.
What to expect on the day of your procedure
Most ablations are same-day procedures. You arrive in the morning, complete a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) if needed, and proceed to the lab. The procedure itself takes two to three hours under general anesthesia. We use two small punctures in the right groin to access the heart's left side through the natural opening between the right and left atria. You go home the same afternoon or after one overnight stay.
Three energy options: and how we choose
Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is the newest and increasingly the first-choice energy for most patients. PFA uses brief, high-voltage electrical pulses that affect only the heart's electrical tissue while sparing the esophagus, phrenic nerve, and pulmonary veins. Shorter procedure times, lower risk of esophageal injury.
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation uses thermal energy delivered through a catheter to create the lesion lines. Decades of evidence; still the workhorse for atypical flutters and many complex cases.
Cryoballoon ablation freezes the tissue at the pulmonary vein openings. Best fit for paroxysmal AFib with straightforward vein anatomy.
We discuss which energy makes the most sense for your specific anatomy and disease pattern at the consultation.
Beyond the pulmonary veins
For persistent and long-standing persistent AFib, isolating the pulmonary veins alone is often insufficient. We tailor additional ablation, posterior wall isolation, mitral or roof lines, low-voltage substrate-guided lesions, autonomic targets, to your individual mapping data. Decisions are made in the lab based on what the heart's electrical signals show us.
How long does AFib ablation take, and is it an overnight stay?
Most AFib ablations are same-day procedures. The ablation itself takes about two to three hours under general anesthesia, performed through two small punctures in the right groin. Most patients go home the same afternoon, and some stay one night. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home.
What is the success rate of AFib ablation?
For paroxysmal AFib, a single ablation restores normal rhythm in roughly 75 to 90 percent of patients. Persistent and long-standing persistent AFib have lower single-procedure success, though results are still meaningful and improve the earlier the procedure is done. Some patients need a second touch-up procedure.
What is pulsed-field ablation, and how is it different?
Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) uses brief high-voltage electrical pulses that act selectively on heart tissue while sparing the esophagus, phrenic nerve, and pulmonary veins. It is increasingly the first-choice energy because it shortens procedure time and lowers the risk of certain rare complications. Radiofrequency and cryoballoon remain excellent options depending on your anatomy.
Is AFib ablation safe?
AFib ablation is performed routinely and has a strong safety record, with serious complications in about 1 to 3 percent of cases at experienced centers. Pulsed-field ablation has further reduced certain rare risks such as esophageal and phrenic nerve injury. Dr. Colombowala reviews your individual risk profile before the procedure.
Will ablation cure my atrial fibrillation?
Ablation offers the best chance at long-term freedom from AFib, especially for paroxysmal AFib treated early. It is not guaranteed to be permanent, and persistent AFib often needs additional ablation beyond the pulmonary veins along with lifestyle changes. The goal is durable rhythm control and fewer symptoms.
