Heart Ablation
A treatment that creates small areas of scar tissue in the heart to interrupt abnormal electrical signals causing arrhythmias.
Overview
It may be considered when medicines do not control an arrhythmia, cause troublesome effects, or when a particular rhythm responds well to ablation.
Heart ablation treats selected abnormal heart rhythms. It may be performed using catheters or as part of heart surgery; the approach depends on the rhythm problem and other treatment needs.
What to expect
The heart team evaluates the rhythm and gives fasting and medicine instructions. Do not alter anticoagulants or rhythm medicines without advice. Arrange transport after sedation.
In catheter ablation, thin tubes are guided through blood vessels to the heart. Electrical mapping identifies the target, then energy is applied to disrupt abnormal signals. Surgical techniques follow a different plan.
Monitoring follows the procedure. Recovery varies by technique, and rhythm disturbances may occur during healing. Continue prescribed medicines and attend follow-up visits.
Risks
Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, new arrhythmias, heart or vessel injury, stroke and, rarely, death. The team will discuss the risks for the selected approach.
Frequently asked questions
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