Catheter Ablation
If your doctor has advised you that catheter ablation may be the treatment for atrial fibrillation, there might be some questions about what to expect before, during, and after the minimally invasive catheter ablation procedure.
Before the Procedure: PREPARING FOR CATHETER ABLATION
On the day of the procedure, your doctor may request some routine tests such as an ECG, X-rays, blood tests, and transesophageal echocardiogram if they were not completed in advance. In most cases, the patient may be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the procedure.
Your doctor may advise you about continuing or stopping any medications you are taking. Be sure to notify your doctor if you have any health changes before the procedure.
During the Procedure: WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CATHETER ABLATION
Catheter ablation is performed by an electrophysiologist (EP), a heart doctor who specialises in heart rhythms. During the procedure, the patient might receive fluids and any necessary medication through an intravenous (IV) line inserted in your arm. The patient may either be anaesthetised or sedated for the procedure.
Watch an explanation of how a catheter ablation procedure works.
*
Disclaimer: This is one clinician's experience. Results may vary.
A local anaesthetic will be applied to the site where the ablation catheter will be inserted. In most cases, the major blood vessel in the groin is used for catheter insertion (catheterisation). Blood vessels in the arm, chest, or neck area may also be used for catheterisation.
The EP will carefully manoeuvre the catheter through the blood vessel to the left atrium. The catheter in the left atrium is used to map the abnormal electrical pathways in the heart tissue. When the targeted area is located, the tip of the catheter delivers either RF (heat) or cryo (cold) energy to isolate the abnormal electrical pathway causing the atrial fibrillation.
When the procedure is completed, the catheters are removed and pressure is applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent bleeding.
After the Procedure: RECOVERY
While activities will need to be limited, most patients return to their normal routine within a few days. Minor soreness in the chest or bruising at the insertion site might be normal. Some patients may experience a slight cough following the procedure.
Let your physician know if you experience any symptoms that cause discomfort.
Expect follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor your healing and heart rhythms.
What do physicians have to say?
Watch the following video to learn more about the side effects and possible areas of discomfort after a cryoablation procedure.
Dr. Robert Kowal is the CRHF Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic.
Watch this video segment to learn more about what to expect during the healing process.
*
Disclaimer: This is one clinician's experience. Results may vary.
*
Disclaimer: This is one clinician's experience. Results may vary.
Keep in Mind
Although many patients benefit from catheter ablation, results may vary. As with any medical procedure, there are benefits and risks. Your doctor can help you decide if catheter ablation is right for you.