What Are Heart Ablation Procedures?
An ablation procedure is a non-surgical treatment for people with certain abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia). An arrhythmia can sometimes be controlled by medicine. If medicine is not successful, your doctor may recommend ablation.
The ablation procedure involves placing a long flexible wire (catheter) through blood vessels and into the heart to get rid of (or ablate) the area of the heart causing the arrhythmia. This area can be removed using radiofrequency (RF) ablation or cryoablation. The doctor will choose which method to use based on the area of the heart where the arrhythmias are located.
- Radiofrequency uses a high-energy source to get rid of the area.
- Cryoablation uses very cold temperatures to do the same.
When Is an Ablation Procedure Needed?
An electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who specializes in the treatment of arrhythmias of the heart, can determine if ablation is needed. Additional tests may also help determine if ablation is needed. These tests may be:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Holter monitor
- Event recorder
- Exercise test
- Electrophysiology study (EP study)
How Is an Ablation Procedure Done?
This procedure is not painful, but there may be some discomfort from your child lying on their back during the test, or at the sites for the catheters, usually in the upper legs. All catheters are removed when the procedure is completed, and small bandages are placed on the catheter insertion sites. Patients are moved to a recovery area until fully awake. Parents can visit at this time.
In most cases, patients are able to go home on the day of the procedure. Sometimes an overnight stay in the hospital may be recommended.
Medications and an Ablation Procedure
Because it is important to be able to reproduce the arrhythmia during the procedure, the patient may need to be off medicines used to treat the arrhythmia for the test. The doctor will let you know how to stop any medicines before the procedure.
What Can You Expect After an Ablation Procedure?
Your doctor will give you instructions before you leave the hospital. Most patients can return to school or work the next day.
To protect the catheter insertion sites, patients cannot swim or take a bath for the first 72 hours after the procedure. It is okay to take showers.
The doctor will usually want to see patients a few weeks after the procedure. They will also talk with you about any further follow-up at that time.
