Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation is a medical procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. The goal of the procedure is to destroy or scar the tissue in the heart that is causing the arrhythmia.

Types of Cardiac Ablation

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This is the most common type of cardiac ablation. It uses high-frequency energy to heat and destroy the abnormal tissue in the heart.
• Cryoablation: This type of ablation uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy the abnormal tissue in the heart.
• Laser ablation: This type of ablation uses a laser to destroy the abnormal tissue in the heart.
• Surgical ablation: This type of ablation is performed during open-heart surgery and involves the use of surgical instruments to remove or destroy the abnormal tissue in the heart.

How Cardiac Ablation is Performed

The procedure typically takes place in an electrophysiology lab, where the patient is given local anesthesia and/or sedation to minimize discomfort. The doctor will then insert a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into a vein in the leg or arm and guide it to the heart using X-ray imaging.

Once the catheter is in place, the doctor will use special mapping tools to identify the source of the arrhythmia. The ablation procedure is then performed by delivering energy through the catheter to the abnormal tissue in the heart.

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
• Infection
• Damage to the heart or surrounding tissues
• Absolute risk of death (less than 1%)
• Possible need for a pacemaker after the procedure

Preparation and Recovery

Before the procedure, patients are typically required to:

• Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners
• Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure
• Remove any jewelry or metal objects that may interfere with the X-ray imaging

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in a recovery room for several hours to ensure that there are no complications. They may experience some discomfort, such as chest pain or fatigue, but this is usually temporary.

Success Rates and Follow-up Care

The success rate of cardiac ablation varies depending on the type of arrhythmia being treated and the individual patient's condition. In general, the procedure has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing significant improvement or complete elimination of their symptoms.

After the procedure, patients will typically need to follow up with their doctor to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed. They may also need to undergo additional testing, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) or Holter monitoring, to ensure that the arrhythmia has been successfully treated.