Cardiac Ablation
What is Cardiac Ablation?
Cardiac ablation, also known as catheter ablation, is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). The procedure involves inserting thin tubes called catheters through the blood vessels and into the heart. Then, the catheters create small scars in parts of the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals that cause the irregular heartbeats.
Why is Cardiac Ablation Important?
Cardiac ablation is a low-risk procedure that helps patients restore a normal rhythm and lower the risk of serious conditions like strokes or heart failure. In addition, cardiac ablation serves as an alternative and doesn’t require any long-term medications. It is commonly used to treat:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Atrial flutter
Ventricular tachycardia
Types of Cardiac Ablations:
Radiofrequency Ablation: Delivers heat energy generated by radio waves, most commonly type of ablation to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Cryoablation: Uses the cold from liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide to freeze and block abnormal electrical signals, preferred in some cases because it allows doctors test the area before destroying the tissue
Pulsed-Field Ablation: Non-thermal ablation that uses electrical pulses, known for its safety to minimize the risk of damaging surrounding areas
Laser Ablation: Uses laser energy from photons to stop irregular rhythms, doesn’t require direct contact with the heart tissue to create precise scars
Risks of Cardiac Ablations:
Even though the overall rate of cardiac ablation complications is about 2% to 6%, complications need urgent treatment to prevent damage to the heart:
Bleeding or infection at the catheter location
Damage to blood vessel, heart tissue, or heart valves
Blood clots in legs or lungs, strokes, heart attacks
New or worse arrhythmias, might require a permanent pacemaker
Cardiac ablation is an effective and minimally invasive procedure that has been revolutionary in treating severe heart conditions and reducing the symptoms and requirement for long-term medications. Newer types of cardiac ablations are being created to minimize the damage and lower the risks from cardiac ablations. If you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms of arrhythmias, consult a medical professional to determine whether a cardiac ablation would be a right option.
