Skip to content 
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure to treat certain heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias. This procedure is often recommended when medications prove ineffective in managing arrhythmias or when a specific area of the heart is identified as the source of the irregular rhythms. Cardiac ablation has become a key therapeutic option, offering patients a potential solution to regain control over their heart’s electrical activity and enhance their quality of life.
What Is Cardiac Ablation?
Cardiac ablation is a medical procedure used to treat certain heart conditions, particularly abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. During the procedure, thin catheters are threaded through blood vessels to the heart, and radiofrequency energy or extreme cold (cryoablation) is applied to areas of the heart muscle responsible for the irregular electrical signals. This targeted energy creates scar tissue, disrupting the abnormal electrical pathways and restoring a normal heart rhythm. Cardiac ablation is often employed to treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia.
Who Needs Cardiac Ablation?
Cardiac ablation is typically recommended for individuals who have certain types of abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias that haven’t responded well to medications. It is often considered for conditions such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia. Candidates for cardiac ablation usually have symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, and the procedure aims to restore a normal heart rhythm by disrupting the problematic electrical pathways in the heart muscle.
How Do I Prepare For Cardiac Ablation?
To prepare for cardiac ablation, your healthcare team will provide specific instructions tailored to your case. This may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as adjustments may be needed. On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing and follow any guidelines regarding personal items.
What Happens During Cardiac Ablation?
In the cardiac ablation procedure, you will be positioned on an examination table, and catheters will be inserted through blood vessels in the leg and guided to the heart. Anaesthesia or sedation ensures your comfort. Diagnostic mapping is conducted to pinpoint areas causing arrhythmias, followed by targeted ablation using radiofrequency or cryotherapy to modify or eliminate problematic tissue.
Real-time monitoring ensures precision, with confirmation of success after each ablation application. Multiple ablations may be performed if needed. Once complete, the catheters are removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site. You’ll be monitored for recovery post-procedure and may receive specific instructions before discharge. The procedure aims to restore a normal heart rhythm and alleviate symptoms associated with arrhythmias.
What To Do After Cardiac Ablation?
After cardiac ablation, you will be monitored during recovery in the hospital, where vital signs are observed. Adhere to prescribed medications. Follow any advised activity restrictions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
