Cardiac Ablation Overview
Cardiac ablation is a medical procedure designed to treat arrhythmia, a condition characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm. This procedure utilizes small wires, known as electrodes, which are placed inside the heart to monitor its electrical activity. By preventing abnormal electrical signals from traversing the heart, cardiac ablation can effectively halt arrhythmias. Additionally, these electrodes can scar or destroy the heart tissue that triggers the irregular rhythm. Cardiac ablation is often recommended when heart rhythm issues do not respond to medications or other treatments.
Procedure Details
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before the cardiac ablation begins, an intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the patient’s arm to administer a sedative. Areas of the groin, arm, or neck are numbed, and a needle is used to access the underlying blood vessel. A sheath, which is a thin tube, is inserted through this opening.
Catheter Insertion and Ablation
A long, flexible tube called an ablation catheter is then guided into the blood vessel in the groin using a guide wire. A special dye is injected through the catheter to visualize the heart’s interior on X-ray images, known as angiograms. The catheter’s electrodes detect arrhythmias and emit radiofrequency energy to ablate, or destroy, the heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm. Patients are generally sedated during the procedure, but those who are awake may feel slight chest discomfort or a burning sensation at the catheter insertion site. After the ablation, the catheter, guide wire, and sheath are removed, and the blood vessel is closed and bandaged.
Post-Procedure Recovery
After the procedure, patients are transferred to a recovery area for monitoring, usually for several hours. Most patients are discharged the same day, though an overnight hospital stay may be necessary in some cases. Soreness or bruising at the catheter site is common, and normal activities can typically be resumed within a few days.
Risks and Complications
Though rare, cardiac ablation carries certain risks, including:
The risk of complications is higher in patients over 75 years old, and those with diabetes or kidney disease. While cardiac ablation is generally effective, some patients may require additional procedures to fully address their arrhythmia.
