Human heart is a muscular organ which is made of four chambers, the atria and the ventricles and a network of blood vessels which pump the blood in and out of the heart. Heart beat is a constant phenomenon and any variation in the range can be associated with an abnormality or an underlying disease. Such abnormal heart rhythm or beat is referred to cardiac or heart arrhythmia. Cardiac ablation is a procedure which is used to treat such abnormal heart rhythm or cardiac arrhythmia.
What is the principle of cardiac ablation procedure ?
The basic principle of a Cardiac Ablation procedure is to destroy the heart tissue which is the root cause of the abnormal heart rhythm. The procedure is commonly done with the help of catheters and radiofrequency ablators.
Who is a suitable candidate for cardiac ablation procedure ?
An individual who is diagnosed with abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia usually presents with the below mentioned symptoms.
- Pain and tightness in the chest
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fast breathing or slow breathing
- Paleness of face or feeling weak
- Abnormal pulse pattern
- Feeling of lightheadedness and dizziness
- Excess sweating
- Fainting episodes
It is also advised in patients who do not respond to medications for arrhythmia or have certain below mentioned conditions associated with arrhythmias.
- Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Or risk of cardiac arrest
It is always suggested that one should consult with one’s cardiologist in detail before deciding the treatment for arrhythmias.
How do you prepare for cardiac ablation procedure ?
If Cardiac Ablation is advised, you will be thoroughly examined for clinical symptoms and overall health. Your medication will be review before the procedure. You will be asked to get admitted in the healthcare facility for the procedure, either on the same day of procedure or a day prior to it. You will be asked to stop consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and smoking before the procedure.
What happens during cardiac ablation procedure ?
The procedure is usually performed in a Cardiology laboratory or a Cath Lab, where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, and then will be asked to lie down on the examination table on your back. Sedatives might be administered before the start of the procedure. Local anesthesia is administered at the site of catheter insertion, either in the groin or the wrist area. The inserted catheter is then advanced up to the heart, and the exact location where the arrhythmia is originating. Cardiac ablation is usually performed after electrophysiology study of the heart to study the heart rate and rhythm, and to determine the site of the abnormal heart rhythm. Once the catheter is in place energy through radiofrequency waves, LASER’s, or Cryoablation (extreme cold waves) are used to destroy or scar the tissues of the heart that serve to trigger the arrhythmia.
Once the procedure is completed, you will be shifted to the recovery area, to monitor your recovery after the procedure. you can be asked to go home after the procedure or you might be asked to stay in the hospital depending on your recovery. Your will be explained how to take care of your health at home after the procedure in detail.
What are the risks and complications associated with cardiac ablation procedure ?
Cardiac Ablation is an invasive procedure, so one can have bleeding, infection and clotting of blood at the site of catheter insertion. Severe complications may include damage to the tissues of the heart, heart valves, blood vessels, collection of fluid around the heart, injury to the nerve supply he heart, an opening between the esophagus and the heart (a fistula) and rarely a cardiac arrest. It is always advised that one should understand the procedural details, it’s benefits and risks in detail before going ahead with the procedure.
How to find cardiologists for cardiac ablation procedure ?
Now you can find cardiologists for cardiac ablation procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cardiologists, get cost estimates for cardiac ablation procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cardiologist for cardiac ablation procedure.
Find a cardiologist for cardiac ablation procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
