Private healthcare from an NHS Trust

Private AF And Tachycardia Ablation Procedures In The South West

Restore energy, reduce dizziness, and get back to the things you enjoy

Package

Private AF and tachycardia ablation procedures at Royal Devon Private Healthcare combines NHS clinical standards with enhanced access and personalised support, all delivered on our NHS hospital sites.

Our private service offers:

  • Initial consultation and review of diagnostics
  • Diagnostics (as required): blood tests, imaging and reporting
  • Procedure: anaesthetics/sedation and recovery
Indicative price

£Available on enquiry

Booking with Royal Devon Private Healthcare means faster access to private ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF) and other abnormal heart rhythms (tachycardias).

Treatment is delivered by highly experienced NHS cardiologists in a safe hospital setting, with shorter waiting times, personalised support, and careful follow-up.

Ablation is a safe and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. It works by carefully targeting and treating the small areas of heart tissue that cause abnormal electrical signals.

Our private service offers:

  • Highly trained and experienced NHS medical teams
  • Reduced waiting times
  • Newly equipped NHS hospital
  • All profits reinvested into NHS facilities and patient care

Consultation:

Within 7-10 days*

To procedure:

Typically 2-6 weeks*

Self-pay package

Fixed-price package

Private AF and tachycardia ablation procedures at Royal Devon Private Healthcare combines NHS clinical standards with enhanced access and personalised support, all delivered on our NHS hospital sites.

Our private service offers:

  • Initial consultation and review of diagnostics
  • Diagnostics (as required): blood tests, imaging and reporting
  • Procedure: anaesthetics/sedation and recovery
Indicative price

£Available on enquiry

icon:Facilities
NHS Facilities & Procedures
icon:clinitions
NHS Clinicians
icon:waiting list
Reduced Waiting Times
icon:convenient care
Convenient Care
icon:reinvestment
Reinvestment in the NHS

Pricing Breakdown Illustration

What's included

One-to-one consultation

You’ll meet a consultant cardiologist who specialises in heart rhythm management who will explain the ablation procedure and recommend the best approach for you.

Procedure scheduling

Once your plan is confirmed, our team will schedule the procedure at a convenient time.

Pre-operative appointment

Before the procedure, you’ll attend a pre-operative assessment to review your medical history and undergo any necessary tests (blood tests, ECG, or imaging).

Procedure

Ablation is carried out under general anaesthetic or sedation. Most people go home the same day or after one night in hospital.

Your AF and Tachycardia Ablation Pathway

1. Enquiry

2. One-to-one consultation

3. Pre-operative assessment

4. Procedure

Meet Our AF and Tachycardia Ablation Specialists

Dr Ash Kotecha

Consultant Interventional Cardiologist

MBBS, FRCP

Andrew Ludman

Consultant Cardiologist

MBBCh, MD (Res), FRCP (UK)

Dr Dushen Tharmaratnam

Consultant Cardiologist

MBChB (Bristol, 1998), MRCP (London, 2002), FRCP (London, 2018)

AF and Tachycardia Ablation FAQs

What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?

Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is a type of irregular heart rhythm where the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat unevenly and often faster than normal. This can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, or dizziness. AF can also increase the risk of stroke or heart-related complications if left untreated.

Tachycardia is a term used to describe a faster-than-normal heart rate, which can occur in either the upper or lower chambers of the heart. It may be felt as a racing or pounding heartbeat, and can sometimes cause dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Tachycardia can be occasional or persistent, and treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Ablation is a procedure that treats abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) by gently targeting small areas of heart tissue that are causing irregular electrical signals. It helps restore a normal heart rhythm, reduce symptoms like palpitations or dizziness, and can improve quality of life.

Ablation may be recommended if you have atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or other types of tachycardia that cause symptoms such as palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, or dizziness. It is often considered when medications alone are not controlling your symptoms or are causing side effects. Your consultant will discuss whether ablation is the safest and most effective treatment for your individual heart rhythm.

Before your procedure, you will have a detailed pre-assessment where your medical history, medications, and test results are reviewed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure, and you will be given clear guidance about medications, what to bring, and how to plan for your recovery at home.

Ablation is a safe treatment for irregular heart rhythms, carried out under general anaesthetic or sedation so you are comfortable throughout. A thin, flexible tube is gently guided to the heart, and the areas causing the irregular heartbeat are treated to help restore a normal rhythm.

The procedure usually takes a few hours, and most people go home the same day or stay overnight for observation. You may feel tired or have mild bruising where the tube was inserted, which is normal. Your cardiology team will give clear advice on medications, activity, and follow-up appointments, and provide ongoing support.

Yes. Ablation is a widely used and generally very safe procedure when performed by experienced cardiologists in a hospital setting. Like any procedure, there are small risks, such as bruising, bleeding, or recurrence of arrhythmia, but these are carefully managed. Your consultant will explain any individual risks and answer all your questions.

Most people return to light activities within a few days and can usually resume normal routines within 1–2 weeks. You may experience mild bruising or tiredness, but serious complications are rare. Your consultant will provide personalised advice and ongoing support throughout your recovery.

Ablation is highly effective for many patients. Most people notice significant improvement in heart rhythm and a reduction or disappearance of symptoms. Some arrhythmias may require a repeat procedure, which can further improve outcomes. Your consultant will discuss what you can expect in your individual case.

View treatment and conditions

Check pricing and funding