Arrhythmia Ablation: Electrophysiology to Correct Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia is a heart condition in which the heartbeat does not follow a normal rhythm, so treatment is needed to correct it. The procedure used to treat it is called arrhythmia ablation, or cardiac ablation, and it is a type of electrophysiology intervention. Read on for the details!

How to Prepare Before Arrhythmia Ablation

Arrhythmia ablation is a minor surgical procedure and part of cardiac catheterization. Before the procedure, the patient is told which activities are allowed and which are not. The doctor also explains which foods and medications are allowed and which should be avoided.

If necessary, the patient is asked to stay in the hospital before the ablation. During that time, it is best for a family member to stay with the patient so they are more comfortable during recovery after the procedure.

The Arrhythmia Ablation Procedure

Arrhythmia ablation is performed at a hospital by a cardiologist and usually takes 2 to 4 hours. This type of electrophysiology intervention is done while the patient is awake, but a local anesthetic is given beforehand so the patient feels no pain or anxiety during the procedure.

The ablation uses a catheter inserted through a blood vessel in the thigh. A small incision is made in the thigh to insert the catheter. At the tip of the catheter is an electrode that destroys the tissue in the blood vessel that is causing the heart rhythm disturbance.

Read Also: What Is an Electrophysiology Exam of the Heart Like?

After the Ablation and Care at Home

After the ablation, the patient is moved to a recovery room and asked to rest. A doctor or nurse checks the patient's condition regularly, and the patient is usually allowed to go home one day after the electrophysiology intervention. The doctor also prescribes some medication for the patient to take.

The medication is meant to prevent bleeding after the procedure. After a few days, patients can usually return to their daily activities. Still, some kinds of activity should be avoided at first, and patients should not drive for those few days.

Normally, the thigh area where the catheter went in will show small bruises, which is normal. However, if the patient has bleeding, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat or swelling, they must go to the nearest hospital right away for further examination.

Arrhythmia ablation is a treatment for heart disease involving a disturbance in heart rhythm. It is used when other types of treatment cannot manage the arrhythmia well. In that case, the doctor will perform the ablation.

You can find facilities for heart treatment and care at Heartology Cardiovascular Center. Check the website here: heartology.id