Cardiac ablation is a procedure to destroy, or ablate, a small amount of heart tissue in very specific places. The heart has many electrical connections. Sometimes these connections are abnormal and can cause the heart to beat very fast or irregularly. Ablating some of the areas that cause problems can improve the heart’s rhythm or return it to normal. Ablation may be done for people who:

  • Have Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome.

  • Have fast heart rhythms (tachycardia).

  • Have taken medicines for an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that were not effective or caused side effects.

  • Have a high-risk heartbeat that may be life-threatening.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the neck or the groin, and a long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the incision and moved to the heart. Small devices (electrodes) on the tip of the catheter will send out electrical currents. A type of X-ray (fluoroscopy) will be used to help guide the catheter and to provide images of the heart.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

  • Any blood disorders you have.

  • Any surgeries you have had.

  • Any medical conditions you have, such as kidney failure.

  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Infection.

  • Bruising and bleeding at the catheter insertion site.

  • Bleeding into the chest, especially into the sac that surrounds the heart. This is a serious complication.

  • Stroke or blood clots.

  • Damage to nearby structures or organs.

  • Allergic reaction to medicines or dyes.

  • Need for a permanent pacemaker if the normal electrical system is damaged. A pacemaker is a small computer that sends electrical signals to the heart and helps your heart beat normally.

  • The procedure not being fully effective. This may not be recognized until months later. Repeat ablation procedures are sometimes done.

What happens before the procedure?

Medicines

Ask your health care provider about:

  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.

  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

General instructions

  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.

  • Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

  • If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

  • Ask your health care provider what steps will be taken to prevent infection.

What happens during the procedure?

image

  • An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.

  • You will be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).

  • The skin on your neck or groin will be numbed.

  • An incision will be made in your neck or your groin.

  • A needle will be inserted through the incision and into a large vein in your neck or groin.

  • A catheter will be inserted into the needle and moved to your heart.

  • Dye may be injected through the catheter to help your surgeon see the area of the heart that needs treatment.

  • Electrical currents will be sent from the catheter to ablate heart tissue in desired areas. There are three types of energy that may be used to do this:

    • Heat (radiofrequency energy).

    • Laser energy.

    • Extreme cold (cryoablation).

  • When the tissue has been ablated, the catheter will be removed.

  • Pressure will be held on the insertion area to prevent a lot of bleeding.

  • A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the insertion area.

The exact procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.

  • Your insertion area will be monitored for bleeding. You will need to lie still for a few hours to ensure that you do not bleed from the insertion area.

  • Do not drive for 24 hours or as long as told by your health care provider.

Summary

  • Cardiac ablation is a procedure to destroy, or ablate, a small amount of heart tissue using an electrical current. This procedure can improve the heart rhythm or return it to normal.

  • Tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you may have and all medicines you are taking to treat them.

  • This is a safe procedure, but problems may occur. Problems may include infection, bruising, damage to nearby organs or structures, or allergic reactions to medicines.

  • Follow your health care provider’s instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure. You may also be told to change or stop some of your medicines.

  • After the procedure, do not drive for 24 hours or as long as told by your health care provider.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.