Patient Health InfoCatheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a procedure performed to cure certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. An electrophysiologist positions a special electrode catheter at a precise location within your heart. Radiofrequency energy is then applied to interrupt the electrical conduction.
Preparation
An electrophysiology study will be performed at the time of the ablation. The EP study confirms the presence of your arrhythmia as well as localizing the site of the abnormal conduction tissue.
After you and your physician have discussed the procedure, you may be asked to sign a consent form. Please read it carefully and ask any questions you have. Be sure to inform your doctor of any food or drug allergies. If you are pregnant, or think you may be, let your doctor know. You may need to have a pregnancy test done prior to the procedure.
Most individuals are admitted to the hospital the morning of the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
An intravenous needle will be placed in your, arm. Blood may be drawn for use in laboratory tests. A chest x-ray and electrocardiogram may be taken, and you will receive medication to help you relax.
The ablation procedure is performed in a specially equipped electrophysiology laboratory by a carefully trained staff. Your family can wait for you in a nearby room.
The Procedure
The procedure requires between two and six hours. You may be awake, but sedated and comfortable. However most individuals sleep through most of the procedure. The electrophysiologist and electrophysiology staff will explain each step of the procedure. If you have questions at any time, please ask.
The area of the insertion will be scrubbed and shaved. You will be covered with sterile sheets and the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. You will feel pressure during the procedure but you should feel little pain after the local anesthetic has been administered.
The electrophysiologist will place small tubes called sheaths into blood vessels from your groin area or neck. It is through these sheaths that the long electrode catheters are guided up into your heart under x-ray guidance.
After your physician has placed all the catheters in the appropriate areas of the heart, he "fine-tunes" their placement by watching an x-ray monitor screen and your heart tracings.
When the location of the abnormal heart tissue has been established, radio frequency current is applied and a small "burn" is made on the inside wall of the heart. This usually consists of a series of several "burns" to the area to destroy the pathway and cure the abnormal heart rhythm. This should be associated with minimal discomfort.
When the abnormal pathway has been ablated, the catheters will be removed and firm pressure will be applied to the insertion sites to help form a seal over the puncture in the artery and veins.
Following the Procedure
A dressing and five-pound sandbag may be placed over the insertion site and you will be asked to lie flat for about four hours. At that time, you will be allowed to roll to your side and the sandbag can be removed.
Your IV will remain in place for most of the day and your heart rate, blood pressure and the insertion site will be monitored regularly. You will be allowed to eat and drink as soon as you feel comfortable.
You will continue to receive intravenous fluids and you will be encouraged to drink fluids. A nurse will assist you when you feel ready to get out of bed. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
You will remain in the hospital overnight and your heart will be monitored.
You may have a bruise, swelling and tenderness at the insertion site. Avoid lifting anything over ten pounds for a week after the procedure.