A cardiac ablation is a treatment used to correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), especially those that are too fast or irregular. These arrhythmias are caused by faulty electrical signals in the heart.
The procedure works by using heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation) – thermal energy to create small scars in the heart tissue. Pulsed field ablation which is a non-thermal form of energy is also being increasingly used in the treatment of different rhythm problems. These scars block the abnormal electrical signals and help restore a normal heartbeat or significantly reduce the burden of the fast rhythm problem.
Your doctor will determine which type of ablation is most appropriate for your condition.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area. Some people can go home the same day, though many stay overnight depending on the complexity of the treatment.
You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few days. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about medications and follow-up care.
In many cases, ablation significantly reduces or eliminates symptoms. However, some people may need additional treatments or medications afterward.
A thin tube called a catheter will be inserted through a vein in your groin and guided to your heart using X-ray imaging. There is also support available from specialised mapping systems to help with catheter navigation and understanding the mechanisms of the rhythm problems. These maps and recordings help identify where abnormal rhythms are coming from and how best they can be treated.
Once the source of the abnormal rhythm is located, the catheter delivers energy to that area to create a scar and stop the rhythm abnormality.
You may feel a warm or tingling sensation in your chest during the ablation, but this usually passes quickly.
