Hi
I too have been advised by my Consultant at Papworth to have Pulmonary Vein Isolation which can take up to 5 hours but is normally completed in much less time..
I've been deliberating on this for 5 months and have researched far too many articles about this procedure which has made me more indecisive.
I also have at hand a copy of the Mail on Sunday dated 6th Sept 2009 in which Magne Furuholmen from the 80's group A-ha explains his AF condition. He manages his purely with Flecainide as a "Pill in the Pocket" approach and says he has attacks most nights. He's under Harefield and they consider the PVI route to be a last resort.
My Fast AF (heart rate 140 - 210) attacks are far more infrequent than yours (3 to my knowledge in 12 months) but I tend not to naturally revert and require hospitalising. Incidentally, the drug which reverts me fastest is Flecainide. To date I've never had a cardioversion although I came within a couple of hours last Christmas.
I've also been on Beta blockers for 8 months but have still had a trip to the CCU with Fast AF despite taking this medication.
I'm quite loathe to continue lifetime medication but can't persuade myself to commit to the procedure at present.
I don't know if we should mention Consultants names publicly, I wonder if we're seeing the same guy at Papworth?
Good luck with whatever you decide. Hope you post again soon.