para>This is an image of a man and the major blood vessels used for a cardiac catheterization. The image shows the groin site being used for the catheter entry with the catheter threading up into the heart. There is also a callout showing an arm site being used for the catheter insertion and the catheter threading up to the heart.View Original
This is an image of a man and the major blood vessels used for a cardiac catheterization. The image shows the groin site being used for the catheter entry with the catheter threading up into the heart. There is also a callout showing an arm site being used for the catheter insertion and the catheter threading up to the heart.
View Original
What will the results be?
Cardiac ablation will allow the heart to go back to its normal rate and rhythm. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Any health problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have diabetes or kidney problems. This will help your doctor take extra steps to avoid problems.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- If you need to take any drugs before your procedure
- The doctor may order:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) ¢ ˆ ’ This will show your hearts electrical activity.
- Echocardiography ¢ ˆ ’ This will show moving pictures of your heart and how the blood flows through it.
- Stress test ¢ ˆ ’ This will show how your heart works when it is stressed, either by exercise or drugs.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room or cath lab, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure.
- Your doctor will put in a special tube called a catheter. It will be placed into a blood vessel in the upper leg area, arm, or wrist and guided into your heart.
- X-rays are taken as the catheter is moved into the heart.
- Your doctor will find the abnormal heart tissue.
- The doctor will deliver the energy to the abnormal heart tissue through the catheter. The energy will destroy the tissue that caused the arrhythmia.
- The doctor will look for other abnormal heart tissue. If needed, other tissue will be destroyed as well.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages. A pressure dressing may be placed over the cut site to help stop bleeding.
- In some cases, your doctor may tell you that you need a pacemaker.
- The procedure takes 3 to 6 hours or more.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You will be kept in bed for at least 1 hour, and possibly a few hours. If the catheter was put in your arm, you may not have to stay in bed.
- The catheter cut site may be bruised or sore. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- The doctor will use a special tool to measure your hearts activity and blood pressure.
- You may stay overnight in the hospital. You may have to stay longer, based on your condition.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Infection
- Problem with your heart like injury to blood vessels or the blood vessels become narrow, hole in the heart, fluid around the heart, or heart attack
- Need for emergency heart surgery
- Continue to have irregular heart beat
- Nerve damage
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/PreventionTreatmentofArrhythmia/Ablation-for-Arrhythmias_UCM_301991_Article.jsp ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ablation/ ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-07-21 ‚
List_set bdysylist
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚