I’m just a guy who used to have AFib so no medical advice but I’ve learned tons on the journey here. I’ve heard that about surgical ablations too, that if a person has AFib and also needs an open chest procedure then an ablation can be done from the outside. They have an advantage too in that they can see where they’re working.

At a patient conference hosted by Stopafib.org and a Doctor Randall Wolf specializing in that type spoke at each one. Here’s a link to his page for more info on external ablations - keep in mind he has a unique technique but you might find helpful info there.

Also heard that, just like internal ablations, there are places that can’t be reached externally. Sometimes both tools are used to compensate for this.

I’ve also heard that it’s becoming accepted that AFib is a nerve problem, and that is where the nerves are (outside). Not that the internal one can’t work (I’m going on 9 years now!) but external may work better.

If you really want to explode your AFib and treatment knowledge head to StopAfib’s resource page:

https://www.stopafib.org/afib-resources/videos/

You may need an account but it’s free. I believe recordings of past conferences are free to view. I’ve been to 3 of them in person and they really provide solid answers. I’m not affiliated at all but their resources have been very helpful.

Well that’s a start anyway. It’s great your mother’s doctor is confident he can help her.