What is cardiac ablation?
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses hot or cold energy to identify, destroy, or isolate abnormal tissue or electrical pathways that cause an irregular rhythm in the heart, also known as arrhythmia. People who have cardiac ablation typically experience less discomfort and a shorter recovery time than those who have traditional open-heart surgery.
Heart ablation is performed by a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating issues related to the heart’s electrical system. With over two decades of experience, Penn Medicine’s heart specialists have a proven success rate treating patients with abnormal heart rhythms. We can develop a comprehensive plan to treat your arrhythmia and help you live a more comfortable, healthier life.
Types of cardiac ablation procedures
Cardiac ablation may be administered in one of two ways:
- Radiofrequency ablation: High-frequency electrical energy, in the form of a radiofrequency wave, is used to heat and destroy the abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmia.
- Cryoablation: Instead of heat, cryoablation uses extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide, to freeze and disrupt the abnormal tissue.
Our skilled specialists will discuss these methods and answer any questions you have about the best treatment plan for you.
Who is a candidate for cardiac ablation?
Your doctor may recommend cardiac ablation if you have a heart rhythm disorder or if you’ve experienced persistent irregular heart rhythms due to conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). You may also need a heart ablation if you’ve previously been prescribed medication that has not been effective in controlling your arrythmia.
What to expect during a cardiac ablation procedure
Before the procedure, you’ll receive instructions from your care team on how to prepare for surgery. This may include fasting for a specific period, discontinuing certain medications, and informing your doctor of any allergies or pre-existing conditions.
Cardiac ablation is typically done under local anesthesia with mild sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your specific situation. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate option for you.
You can expect these steps during your procedure:
- A nurse will start an IV (intravenous) line in your arm to administer anesthesia and medications that help manage pain and keep you comfortable.
- A nurse will clean and shave the area where the doctor will work (usually in your groin, arm, neck, or upper thigh).
- You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the puncture site where the doctor will insert a needle through your skin and into a blood vessel. Then a small tube will be inserted into the blood vessel, allowing the doctor to introduce a thin tube, also known as a catheter, into your blood vessel.
- Your doctor will insert electrode catheters through the small tube, guiding them into your heart. Sensors on the catheter’s tip will record your heart’s electricity, helping the doctor to identify the specific problem area.
- Once the abnormal tissue is identified, the doctor will place the catheter precisely at the site within your heart where the abnormal cells are located. Heat or freezing energy will be applied to the tissue to address the small heart muscle cells responsible for the irregular heartbeats.
The duration of a cardiac ablation may vary depending on the type of arrhythmia being treated, the techniques used, and your unique medical needs. Cardiac ablation procedures are often completed in two to three hours.
Cardiac ablation recovery
The recovery period after ablation surgery varies and can depend on the type of arrhythmia treated, your overall health, and any rare complications that may have occurred during the procedure. Here is some general guidance for what you can expect during recovery:
- Immediately after the procedure, your surgical care team will monitor you in a recovery area for several hours.
- Most patients can return home on the same day or the day after the procedure.
- You may be advised to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days and wait three to four days before returning to work.
- You may experience some fatigue or mild discomfort for up to a week after the procedure.
Your Penn Medicine care team will be there to guide and support you throughout your recovery.
What are the risks of cardiac ablation?
Cardiac ablation is a safe and effective way to treat certain heart rhythm disorders. The risk of serious complications is relatively low, but like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including bleeding or blood vessel damage, urinary tract infections (UTIs), allergic reactions, and lower back stiffness.
Your Penn Medicine cardiovascular and surgical care team will discuss these risks with you and address any questions you have so you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your treatment journey.
Leaders in cardiac ablation care
Penn Medicine’s cardiac arrhythmia care program is a regional and national referral center for advanced therapies, and people worldwide seek our expertise for cardiac ablation care. Our team includes electrophysiologists who have deep experience in diagnosing and treating the electrical functions of the heart and can help pinpoint a diagnosis and find the best treatment option for you. Our specialists are skilled in treating even the most complex arrhythmias that may not respond to medication or other treatments.
When you come to Penn Medicine for cardiac ablation care, you can expect:
- Experts in electrical heart conditions: Our electrophysiology team actively contributes to international symposiums, publishes regularly in peer-reviewed journals, and has pioneered modern ablation techniques that have been adopted for use in medical centers around the world.
- Innovative technologies: We collaborate with Penn Medicine researchers and participate in clinical trials that help us stay current with the latest developments in cardiac care. Our focus is to find the best treatment to help you regain your heart health and stay healthy.
- Second opinions: Because we specialize in advanced cardiac treatments, many people seek our expertise for cardiac ablation, often after unsuccessful attempts elsewhere. We can provide you with a second opinion to give you confidence in proceeding with the best treatment option.
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