Catheter Ablation

Overview

Catheter Ablation, also known as Cardiac Ablation or Heart Ablation, is a medical procedure designed to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This minimally invasive treatment uses energy, often radiofrequency or cryoenergy, to target and destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals.

Why is Catheter Ablation Treatment Required?

Common conditions include:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular, rapid heart rhythm.
• Atrial Flutter: Similar to AFib but with a more organised rhythm.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Fast heart rate originating above the ventricles.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW): Extra electrical pathways in the heart.

This procedure is often recommended to improve symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath, and to reduce the risk of stroke or heart failure.

Key Advantages of Catheter Ablation Treatment

• Effective Symptom Relief: Eliminates or reduces episodes of irregular heartbeats.
• Minimally Invasive: Performed through small incisions in the groin or neck.
• Short Recovery Time: Most patients can return to normal activities within a week.
• Reduced Stroke Risk: Especially for patients with AFib.
• Long-Term Benefits: Improves quality of life and reduces reliance on medications.

How Should You Prepare Before Taking Catheter Ablation?

• Consultation with Your Doctor: Share your medical history and current medications.
• Pre-Procedure Testing: You might undergo blood tests, ECG, or imaging.
• Medication Adjustments: Certain medications, like blood thinners, may need to be stopped or adjusted.
• Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
• Arrangements for Recovery: Ensure someone is available to drive you home post-procedure.

How Catheter Ablation is Performed?

• Preparation: You will receive a sedative or general anesthesia to ensure comfort.
• Catheter Insertion: Thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are inserted through a vein in the groin or neck and guided to your heart.
• Energy Delivery: The catheter delivers energy (radiofrequency or cryoenergy) to ablate or destroy the problematic heart tissue.
• Monitoring: Your heart’s rhythm is carefully monitored throughout the procedure.

The entire catheter ablation procedure typically lasts 2–4 hours.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure?

• Before: You may feel nervous, but the medical team will guide you through every step.
• During: You will remain relaxed under sedation; you might feel slight pressure at the catheter insertion site.
• After: Mild discomfort at the insertion site and fatigue are common. Most patients go home within 24 hours and resume daily activities in a few days.

Risks and Potential Complications

While catheter ablation is generally safe, risks include:

Bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site.

Damage to heart or blood vessels.

Blood clots or strokes.

Rarely, recurrence of arrhythmia.

Discuss potential risks, such as catheter ablation risks or dangers of heart catheterization, with your doctor.

Results/Outcomes

Most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after catheter ablation. Success rates are especially high for atrial flutter catheter ablation, SVT ablation, and cardiac ablation for AFib. Follow-up care may involve medications or additional procedures for optimal results.