Cardiology

Cardiac Ablation

Healthy hearts work regularly at a certain number of times per minute. This speed is between 60-80 at rest and occurs at equal intervals. Heart rhythm is maintained by tiny electrical currents originating from the sinus node in the heart. Disruptions in the rhythm of the heart are called arrhythmias and there are many different rhythm disorders under arrhythmias. Tachycardia, in which the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, is also included in the group of arrhythmias.

The abnormal heart tissue that causes tachycardia can be destroyed and removed, and tachycardia can be treated. This is called catheter cardiac ablation, radiofrequency ablation, cardiac ablation, or simply ablation. Ablation can be done with the help of long thin tubes called catheters, or it can be done during open-heart surgery.

How Is Cardiac Ablation Done?

In cardiac ablation, the catheter is advanced into the heart through the inguinal or arm vein. Where the catheter is in the heart can be monitored with the help of X-rays (fluoroscopy). By connecting the tip of the catheters to the recording device, intracardiac ECG recordings are taken and the focus of tachycardia is found by research. Then, this area is destroyed by giving radiofrequency energy with the help of a catheter, and thus the responsible focus is eliminated.

Before and After Cardiac Ablation

If catheter ablation is planned, first an electrophysiological study (EPS) is performed to investigate where the abnormal rhythm originates. It is preferred that patients fast for 8 hours before cardiac ablation. The patient is taken to the catheter laboratory and the procedure is usually performed by entering the inguinal vein. For this, local anesthesia is applied to the inguinal area, this procedure is not painful.

Processing time is very variable. In order to prevent bleeding at the entry site of the catheter, this area is bandaged and a lightweight is placed on bed rest. If the procedure is done on the arm, bed rest is not required. The patient is instructed not to do heavy lifting or heavy exercise for 24 hours after leaving the hospital. There may be mild pain and bruising where the procedure is done, and it’s normal.

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