Catheter ablation is a procedure which uses radio frequency energy. This procedure destroys a small area of heart tissue,which causes rapid and irregular heartbeats. By destroying this tissue, the heart’s regular rhythm is restored. Another name for catheter ablation is radio frequency ablation.

This procedure is usually used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) in situations when medicines are not tolerated or effective. Medicines are used to control the abnormal heart tissue which causes arrhythmias where as catheter ablation destroys the tissue. This is a very successful and low risk operation which is conducted in a special hospital room called electrophysiology (EP) lab or a cardiac catheterization (cath) lab. The procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours.

The Reason for Catheter Ablation

Your heart has special cells which create electrical signals which travel along pathways to the chambers of your heart. These signals make the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat in the proper sequence. However, when there are abnormal cells, they can create disorganized electrical signals which cause irregular or rapid heartbeats called arrhythmias. These instances might make your heart not be able to pump blood effectively. Consequently, you might experience pounding, shortness of breath, weakness, or fainting.

The medicines which treat rapid and irregular heartbeats are a great option for most people. However, such medicines might not work for some people and might cause side effects. Thus, these people might be required to undergo catheter ablation.

Catheter ablation is usually used for supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. The procedure destroys the abnormal tissue without doing any damage to the rest of the heart.

Catheter Ablation Risks

There are a number of risks which might result from the use of the catheters. As the procedure requires inserting long, thin tubes into your arteries or veins. Inserting these tubes can sometimes cause bleeding or infection or damage your blood vessel. However, such problems are quite rare.

How to Prepare for Catheter Ablation?

In order to prepare for the procedure, you will be required to follow a number of steps. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will advise you about the medicines which you should or shouldn’t take. You should come without any jewelry and with someone who can take you home after your procedure.

What happens During Catheter Ablation?

This procedure is performed by a doctor with special training together with a team of nurses and technicians. First, an IV is put into a vein in your arm and you get anesthesia. Some people might get sedative and be awake throughout the procedure. The procedure is usually preformed usually in your groin. The puncture site will be numb with a local anesthetic. The doctor will make a needle puncture through your skin and into the blood vessel in your groin. He will insert a small straw-sized tube into the blood vessel. Then, the catheter will be gently guided into the vessel through the sheath. Pressure in your groin might be felt.

A number of long, thin tubes with wires, electrode catheters, are inserted through the sheath and feeds these tubes into your heart. Using the electrode catheter, the doctor will send a small electrical impulse. This activates the abnormal tissue while other catheters record the heart’s electrical signals to locate the abnormal sites.

The catheter is placed at the exact site inside your heart where the abnormal cells are. Then, radio frequency energy is sent to the tissue. This destroys the small area which causes rapid heartbeats.

What Happens After Catheter Ablation?

As soon as the procedure is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room. The sheath will stay in your leg for several hours during which time you have to lie flat. Then, the sheath is removed. You have to keep your leg straight for 6 to 8 hours and you will be informed when you can get out of bed. Your heartbeat and vital signs will be closely monitored. Before you go home, you will get written instructions about what to do at home.

What Happens After You Get Home?

You will have to follow the written instructions. You will probably be able to return to your normal activities on the day after you leave the hospital. However, you shouldn’t drive or drink alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure. Moreover, you will have to avoid any heavy physical activity for three days. Nevertheless, you will have to call 911 if you notice swelling in the puncture, bleeding, you feel sick in the stomach, you have a fast or irregular heartbeat, or you experience shortness of breath.