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What is Catheter Ablation?
Catheter ablation is a treatment procedure performed to treat some kinds of arrhythmia, in which there are problems related to the heartbeat rhythm.
How is Catheter Ablation Performed?
- An ablation catheter, which is a thin, long and flexible tube, is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, groin or neck.
- The catheter is guided into the heart thought the blood vessel.
- Radiofrequency (RF) energy is sent from a special machine through the ablation catheter into the heart.
- Tissues of the heart where abnormal heartbeats occur are destroyed by the energy.
How to Prepare for Catheter Ablation?
- A comprehensive electrophysiologic study (EPS) needs to be done before a catheter ablation procedure.
- Various tests including chest X-ray, ECG and blood tests need to be conducted before the procedure.
- Some medications need to be stopped a few days before the procedure.
- Sedative medication will be given through an intravenous line.
Duration of procedure/surgery:4 to 8 hours
Days admitted:Overnight, if there are no complications.
Anesthesia:Local anesthesia
Recovery:- The patient needs to stay in bed for 1 to 6 hours after the procedure.
- The patient is monitored using a telemetry monitor to observe the heart rate and rhythm.
- There may be chest discomfort and feelings of fatigue for about 2 days after the procedure.
Risks:- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Puncture
After care:- The patient should follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
- If there is prolonged chest discomfort, the doctor should be informed immediately.
- Anti-arrhythmic medication needs to be taken after the procedure.
- The patient should not drive for a few days after the procedure.
Learn more about Ablations