Medically Reviewed By: Dr Paul Lim – MBBS, M.Med (Int Med), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Cardiology)
Heart Rhythm Treatment

Catheter Ablation in Singapore

Catheter ablation — also known as heart ablation or 导管消融术 (dǎoguǎn xiāoróng shù) — is a minimally invasive treatment that restores normal heart rhythm by intentionally neutralising abnormal tissue responsible for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).

Dr Paul Lim Chun Yih Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist
Performed by Heart Rhythm Specialist
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Dr Paul Lim Chun Yih, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist performing catheter ablation in Singapore
22+ Years of
Clinical Experience
Your Specialist

Procedure Performed by Dr Paul Lim

Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist

Dr Paul Lim subspecialises in heart rhythm disorders, performing catheter ablation, pacemaker, and defibrillator implantation for arrhythmia patients. He completed advanced fellowship training at Barts Heart Centre, London — one of Europe’s largest heart rhythm centres — under Singapore’s HMDP award.

UK & SG Fellowship Training
10,000+ Patient Consultations
1,000+ Ablation & Device Procedures
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The Procedure Explained

What Is Catheter Ablation?

Catheter ablation (sometimes called cardiac ablation or heart ablation) is a minimally invasive treatment for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Thin, flexible tubes called catheters are guided through a vein in the groin up to the heart. Using precise 3D electroanatomical mapping (3D reconstruction of the heart chambers), the electrophysiologist (heart rhythm specialist) locates the areas of tissue generating the faulty electrical signals — and then uses controlled energy to neutralise them, allowing the heart to return to a normal rhythm.

Unlike open-heart surgery, the procedure requires no chest incision, no cutting of the heart, and no heart-lung bypass machine. Most patients stay overnight and go home the next day, and can resume daily living activities within 24 hours, with most returning to full normal activities within 1–2 weeks.

In Singapore, the procedure can be carried out at MOH-licensed private hospitals with dedicated cardiac electrophysiology suites.

Conditions We Treat

Heart Rhythm Disorders Treated by Catheter Ablation

The procedure is most commonly used to treat the following types of arrhythmia. A specialist electrophysiology consultation is needed to confirm suitability.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

The most common arrhythmia worldwide, arising from the top chambers of the heart (usually the left). Ablation of AFib has been shown to be more effective than medication alone in treating AFib, and reduces hospitalisation, stroke and death rates. Ablation is recommended when medications have failed or are poorly tolerated, and is increasingly offered as a first-line treatment for symptomatic paroxysmal (episodic) AFib. In selected patients with AFib and heart failure, it has also been shown to improve heart function and reduce hospitalisation.

Atrial Flutter

A re-entrant rhythm (short circuit) in the right atrium (top chamber of the heart) and is also commonly seen in patients with atrial fibrillation. Typical atrial flutter has one of the highest ablation success rates of any arrhythmia, and is a relatively simple procedure with most patients discharged home the next day.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

These sudden-onset rapid heart rhythms usually respond extremely well to radiofrequency ablation, with published single-procedure success rates of approximately 95–98% and low risk of procedure complications.

Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW)

A congenital (since birth) accessory electrical pathway that can cause rapid heart rhythms. Ablation is highly effective and is the standard curative treatment for symptomatic WPW.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

A potentially serious arrhythmia arising from the lower chambers of the heart. Ablation can eliminate these abnormal electrical signals in selected patients, often alongside an implantation of an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD).

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

When frequent or symptomatic, focal PVCs can be mapped and ablated with a high success rate, often improving both symptoms and long-term heart function.

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Suitability

Am I a Candidate for Heart Ablation?

This is a specialist treatment. Your suitability is determined during an electrophysiology consultation, based on your symptoms, ECG findings, and overall health.

You may benefit if…

  • You have symptomatic palpitations (fast heart beats), breathlessness or fatigue from a documented arrhythmia
  • Rhythm-control medications have failed, caused side effects, or you wish to avoid them
  • Ablation of your arrhythmia leads to positive outcomes and risk reduction even if you do not have symptoms
  • You are fit enough to undergo a catheter-based procedure under sedation or general anaesthesia

Ablation may not be suitable if…

  • The arrhythmia is asymptomatic and low-risk and can be safely monitored
  • You have an active bleeding disorder or intracardiac clot that cannot be treated first
  • Pregnancy (to prevent X-ray exposure during the procedure)
  • Severe underlying medical conditions that make any catheter procedure high risk
  • Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation with extensive atrial scarring that has a low chance of success (individual review needed)
  • Previous major valve cardiac surgery (may still be suitable but requires individual assessment)
Energy Sources

Types of Catheter Ablation

Modern catheter ablation can use different energy sources. The right choice depends on the arrhythmia being treated and is discussed during your consultation.

Radiofrequency (RFA) Cryoablation Pulsed-Field (PFA)
Energy type Controlled heat Extreme cold Electric pulses
Typically used for SVT, AVNRT, WPW, atrial flutter, VT, focal ablations Pulmonary vein isolation in paroxysmal AFib; also used for AVNRT near the AV node due to lower risk of heart block Pulmonary vein isolation in AFib (emerging applications in other arrhythmias)
Precision Small catheter tip, highly targeted Balloon-based, treats a ring of tissue at once or targeted small catheter tip Tissue-selective, spares nearby structures (e.g. oesophagus, phrenic nerve)
Typical procedure time 1–4 hours (newer high-power techniques are faster) 1.5–3 hours Under 1–2 hours
Key advantage Versatile, well-established Reversible freeze before permanent lesion; safer near conduction system Faster, cardiac-tissue selective, potentially fewer complications
Availability in Singapore Widely available Widely available Selected centres

Source: 2024 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Step by Step

How the Procedure Is Performed

A typical catheter ablation at a Singapore private hospital follows these steps. Times are approximate and vary by arrhythmia type.

  1. 1

    Preparation and anaesthesia

    You are admitted on the day of the procedure after fasting for 6–8 hours. An intravenous line is placed, monitoring equipment is attached, and sedation or general anaesthesia is given.

  2. 2

    Catheter insertion

    Small punctures are made in a vein in the groin. Thin catheters are gently advanced through the vein to the heart under X-ray guidance and is painless. No cuts are made to the chest.

  3. 3

    Electrophysiology study and 3D mapping

    The electrophysiologist measures electrical signals from inside the heart and uses a 3D electroanatomical mapping system to build a real-time map of the heart chambers, identifying the exact origin of the abnormal rhythm.

  4. 4

    Delivery of ablation energy

    Controlled energy — radiofrequency heat, cryoablation cold, or pulsed electric field — is delivered through the catheter to neutralise the abnormal tissue.

  5. 5

    Testing and confirmation

    After ablation, the electrophysiologist re-tests the heart’s electrical system to confirm that the arrhythmia can no longer be triggered. Catheters are then removed and pressure is applied to the groin puncture sites.

  6. 6

    Recovery in the ward

    You rest lying flat for 6 to 12 hours (depending on closure method) to allow the puncture sites to seal. Most patients stay overnight and are discharged the next day.

Published Outcomes

Catheter Ablation Success Rates

The heart ablation success rate depends heavily on the type of arrhythmia being treated. The figures below reflect published international guideline data. Individual outcomes depend on the type and duration of arrhythmia, heart structure, and overall health.

Condition Single-procedure success Source
SVT / AVNRT / AVRT ~95–98% HRS/EHRA Consensus
Typical atrial flutter ~95% ESC Guidelines
Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) ~95% HRS Guidelines
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ~60–80% 2024 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS
Persistent atrial fibrillation ~50–70% 2024 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS
Focal PVCs ~80–90% ESC Guidelines

Success is defined as freedom from arrhythmia recurrence without antiarrhythmic drugs, typically assessed at 12 months post-procedure. A second (redo) procedure, when required, further improves long-term rhythm control. Dr Lim will discuss realistic expectations with you based on your individual diagnosis.

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What to Expect Afterwards

Heart Ablation Recovery Timeline

Most patients recover more quickly than they expect. Here is a typical recovery schedule after an uncomplicated catheter ablation.

  1. 1
    Day 0 — Procedure day

    Rest in the ward

    You will lie flat for several hours (typically 6–12 hours, depending on closure method) after the procedure. Mild bruising or tenderness at the groin puncture site is normal.

  2. 2
    Day 1 — Discharge

    Home the next day

    Most patients are discharged on the day after the procedure. You can walk around gently and carry out light household activity.

  3. 3
    Days 3–5

    Return to desk work

    Most people return to office or desk-based work within 3–5 days. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and driving long distances until cleared.

  4. 4
    Week 1–2

    Full activity

    Light exercise can usually be resumed at one week; full gym, swimming, and strenuous activity after two weeks, once the groin puncture has fully healed.

  5. 5
    Month 1–3

    The “blanking period”

    For atrial fibrillation ablation, some irregular beats or short AFib episodes can occur during the first 1–3 months as the heart heals. This does not mean the procedure has failed.

  6. 6
    Month 3 onwards

    Long-term review

    How long to heal after heart ablation varies between patients, but by three months most scar tissue has formed and rhythm outcomes are reliable. A follow-up review with ECG and, where needed, Holter (prolonged ECG) monitoring may be arranged at 6 weeks and 3 months. Regular medication needs are reassessed at this stage.

Honest Expectations

Heart Ablation Side Effects, Risks and Complications

Catheter ablation is a well-established procedure with a strong safety profile, but as with any cardiac procedure there are potential side effects and risks. Major complications occur in approximately 1–2%, or sometimes 3–4%, of cases depending on procedure type, according to international heart rhythm society data.

  • Bruising or bleeding at the groin puncture site (most common, usually minor)
  • Damage to blood vessels where the catheters are inserted
  • Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) that may rarely require drainage
  • Heart block after ablation — damage to the heart’s normal electrical conduction, which in rare cases may require a pacemaker
  • Blood clot or stroke, minimised by continuing anticoagulation around the procedure
  • Reaction to contrast dye or anaesthesia
  • Rhythm recurrence, which may occasionally require a repeat procedure

Dr Lim will discuss your individual risk profile in detail during your consultation and obtain written informed consent before the procedure.

Dr Paul Lim

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Treatment Options

Catheter Ablation vs Long-Term Medication

Rhythm-control medications and catheter ablation are both recognised treatments for many arrhythmias. The right choice depends on your symptoms, the type of arrhythmia, and your preferences.

Long-term medication Catheter ablation
Goal Suppress the arrhythmia Address the underlying cause
Commitment Lifelong tablets (potentially) One-off procedure (occasionally repeated)
Side effects Common (fatigue, dizziness, organ effects over time) Mostly short-term, related to the procedure
Effectiveness in paroxysmal AFib 23–33% rhythm control at 1 year* 57–89% rhythm control at 1 year*
Quality of life improvement Modest Significant for symptomatic patients

*Figures vary by trial design and monitoring method. Source: Ko et al., JAMA 2025.

Catheter ablation is not a replacement for long-term stroke-prevention therapy (anticoagulation) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Whether long-term blood thinners are needed depends on your individual stroke risk, not on whether the ablation was successful.

How It Compares

Catheter Ablation vs Cardioversion, Pacemaker, Maze & Watchman

Patients with heart rhythm disorders are often offered more than one treatment option. Here is how catheter ablation compares with the most common alternatives.

Procedure What it does When it is used How it differs from catheter ablation
Electrical cardioversion A brief, synchronised electric shock under short sedation to reset the heart to normal rhythm. Short-term rhythm restoration in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, often used together with medication to maintain a normal heart rhythm. Cardioversion only resets the rhythm — it does not treat the underlying electrical trigger or abnormality, hence lower success rates in long-term control. Catheter ablation targets the cause of the arrhythmia and gives better long-term results.
Pacemaker implant A small device implanted under the collarbone that sends electrical impulses to keep the heart beating at a minimum rate. Slow heart rhythms (bradycardia), heart block, or sick sinus syndrome. A pacemaker treats slow rhythms; catheter ablation treats fast or irregular rhythms. The two can be used together when needed.
AV node ablation + pacemaker Ablation of the AV node followed by a permanent pacemaker to control a fast, irregular heart rate. Selected patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter whose heart rate cannot be controlled by medication and who are not suitable for ablation of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Ablation of the electrical connection between the top and bottom chambers of the heart, allowing a pacemaker to take full control of the ventricles (pumping chambers). This does not restore normal rhythm but controls the heart rate entirely via a pacemaker.
Surgical (Maze) ablation Open or minimally invasive cardiac surgery creating scar lines on the atria to block abnormal circuits. Usually performed together with another heart operation (valve or bypass surgery). Standalone surgical ablation is occasionally offered when catheter ablation has not been successful. Surgical Maze is a more invasive open-chest procedure with a longer recovery. Catheter ablation is a keyhole procedure with no chest incision.
Watchman (LAA closure) A small device placed in the left atrial appendage (tip of the left atrium) to reduce stroke risk in AFib. AFib patients at high stroke risk who cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners. Watchman reduces stroke risk but does not treat the AFib itself. Catheter ablation targets the rhythm; the two procedures address different problems and are sometimes combined.

The right treatment depends on the specific type of arrhythmia, your overall heart function, stroke risk, and personal preferences. Dr Paul Lim consults at The Straits Heart @ Orchard and The Straits Heart @ Jurong to discuss which option is most appropriate for you.

Paying for Your Procedure

Cost & Insurance Coverage in Singapore

MOH physician fee benchmark (TOSP SD839H) S$10,900 – 15,400 Published by Singapore’s Ministry of Health. This covers the cardiologist’s professional fee only, before GST — hospital facility charges, anaesthesia, and device/implant costs are billed separately, and actual fees vary with case complexity. View MOH benchmark →
  • MediSave claimable Catheter ablation falls under MOH-approved surgical procedure limits.
  • Integrated Shield Plans (IP) Generally covered by IP riders from Great Eastern, AIA, NTUC Income, Prudential, Raffles and others, subject to plan terms. We can help verify your coverage before admission.
  • Pre-authorisation support Our clinic team can assist with insurance pre-authorisation and required paperwork.
Common Questions

Catheter Ablation FAQ

Answers to the questions patients ask most often about cardiac ablation, heart ablation recovery, and what to expect.

What is a heart ablation?

A heart ablation (also called cardiac ablation or catheter ablation) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Thin catheters are guided through a vein to the heart, and controlled energy is applied to small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular rhythm. Most patients stay overnight and go home the next day.

How serious is heart ablation surgery?

Catheter ablation is not open-heart surgery. It is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, with only small puncture sites in the groin. Major complications occur in approximately 1–2% of cases according to international heart rhythm society guidelines. The majority of patients experience no significant issues and are back to normal activity within a week.

How long does recovery from heart ablation take?

Most patients rest for 6–12 hours after the procedure and stay overnight, going home the next day. Light activity is fine the next day, most people return to desk-based work within 3–5 days, and full exercise and heavy lifting can usually resume after 1–2 weeks. For atrial fibrillation ablation, it is normal to experience some irregular beats during the first 1–3 months (the “blanking period”) as the heart tissue heals.

How many times can you have a heart ablation?

Patients often ask how many times can you have heart ablation safely. There is no fixed limit. Some patients — particularly those with persistent atrial fibrillation — may require a repeat (redo) ablation if the arrhythmia returns. A second procedure is safe and frequently improves long-term rhythm control. Published data from major centres report that repeat ablations carry similar risk to first-time procedures.

What is the success rate of catheter ablation?

Success rates depend on the type of rhythm disorder. Published HRS/EHRA/ESC guidelines report single-procedure success rates of approximately 95–98% for SVT and AVNRT, 60–80% for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 50–70% for persistent atrial fibrillation. A second procedure, if needed, further improves long-term outcomes.

Will I still need to take blood thinners after ablation?

Anticoagulation (blood thinners) is usually continued for at least 2–3 months after ablation while the heart tissue heals. Whether long-term anticoagulation is required depends on your individual stroke risk (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score), not on the success of the ablation itself. Dr Lim will review this with you at your follow-up visit.

How much does catheter ablation cost in Singapore?

Singapore’s Ministry of Health publishes a physician fee benchmark for catheter ablation (TOSP code SD839H) of S$10,900 – S$15,400 (physician fee only, before GST). This covers the cardiologist’s professional fee — hospital facility charges, anaesthesia, and device/implant costs are billed separately, and actual fees vary with case complexity. The procedure is MediSave claimable under approved surgical limits and is usually covered by Integrated Shield Plans and most corporate insurance. Our team can help with pre-authorisation and provide an itemised estimate before your procedure. View MOH benchmark →

Is catheter ablation covered by insurance in Singapore?

Yes. Catheter ablation is generally covered by Integrated Shield Plans (Great Eastern, AIA, NTUC Income, Prudential, Raffles and others) under inpatient hospital benefits. It is also MediSave claimable and usually covered by corporate group insurance. We recommend contacting your insurer or our clinic for pre-authorisation before the procedure.

What is a normal heart rate after ablation? Will I still have palpitations?

Palpitations after ablation are common during the first 1–3 months. You may feel extra beats or short runs of the original arrhythmia — this is the so-called “blanking period” and does not mean the procedure has failed. Your resting heart rate after ablation may be slightly higher than usual for a few weeks as the heart tissue heals. A resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered normal. If you notice a very slow heart rate, a sustained rapid rhythm, or significant palpitations beyond three months, contact the clinic so we can review your ECG and Holter recordings.

Can catheter ablation help atrial fibrillation with heart failure?

Yes. In selected patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, randomised trial evidence (including the CASTLE-AF study published in the New England Journal of Medicine) has shown that catheter ablation can improve heart function, reduce heart failure hospitalisations, and improve survival compared with medication alone. Suitability is decided on a case-by-case basis after a specialist review of your echocardiogram and overall condition.

What is the difference between radiofrequency and cryoablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat energy to neutralise abnormal heart tissue, while cryoablation uses extreme cold. Both are well-established and effective. Radiofrequency allows point-by-point precision and is often preferred for SVT and complex arrhythmias. Cryoballoon ablation is commonly used for pulmonary vein isolation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A newer option, pulsed-field ablation (PFA), uses non-thermal electric pulses and is increasingly available at selected centres.

Is catheter ablation painful?

Most patients do not feel pain during the procedure itself, as catheter ablation is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia. Only a small local anaesthetic injection at the groin is felt before the catheters are inserted. After the procedure, some patients report mild soreness at the groin puncture site or a dull chest ache for 1–2 days, which is usually well controlled with simple paracetamol. Significant pain is uncommon.

What should I not do after a catheter ablation?

For the first 1–2 weeks after catheter ablation, avoid heavy lifting (over 5 kg), strenuous exercise, swimming, hot tubs, and deep squats that strain the groin puncture site. Do not drive for at least 48 hours, and avoid alcohol and caffeine for the first week as they can trigger palpitations during the healing period. Continue your prescribed blood thinners exactly as directed — do not stop them on your own. Light walking is encouraged from day one.

Can I drive or fly after catheter ablation?

Driving is usually safe 48 hours after a straightforward catheter ablation, once the sedation has fully worn off and the groin puncture site is comfortable. For flying, short regional flights (for example within Southeast Asia) are generally fine after 3–5 days, while long-haul flights should be delayed until 1–2 weeks after the procedure to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis at the puncture site. If you had a complex atrial fibrillation ablation, Dr Lim may advise a slightly longer wait. Always check with your specialist before travelling.

Is there an age limit for catheter ablation?

There is no strict age limit for catheter ablation. Published registry data and international guidelines show that carefully selected patients in their 70s and 80s can safely undergo ablation with outcomes comparable to younger patients. What matters more than age alone is overall health, kidney function, other medical conditions, and how symptomatic the arrhythmia is. Elderly patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation often benefit substantially from ablation when medications are poorly tolerated.

Does catheter ablation cure atrial fibrillation?

Catheter ablation is an established rhythm-control therapy for atrial fibrillation, but the word “cure” should be used carefully. For supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), AVNRT and WPW, a single ablation is curative in 95–98% of cases. For paroxysmal AFib, 60–80% of patients remain arrhythmia-free at one year after a single procedure; for persistent AFib, the figure is 50–70%. A second (redo) ablation can further improve long-term freedom from AFib. Blood-thinner decisions are made based on stroke risk, not on ablation success.

Can catheter ablation damage the heart or cause heart failure?

Catheter ablation does not damage the overall function of the heart. The energy delivered targets only the small areas of abnormal electrical tissue, while the surrounding healthy heart muscle is left intact. In fact, for patients with atrial fibrillation and reduced heart function, randomised trial evidence (CASTLE-AF) has shown that catheter ablation can improve heart function and reduce heart failure hospitalisations compared to medication alone. Major complications that could affect heart function are rare and occur in approximately 1–2% of procedures.

Concerned About a Heart Rhythm Problem?

Schedule a consultation with Dr Paul Lim to discuss whether catheter ablation is the right option for you.

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