ABLATION THERAPY FOR ARRHYTHMIAS

Ablation Therapy is a procedure to treat Cardiac Arrhythmias. Patients suffering with Cardiac Arrhythmias may be asymptomatic or have serious symptoms and a poor quality of life. And in the worst case, it may result in sudden cardiac death. Radiofrequency ablation has an important role in the management of cardiac arrhythmias and it involves the destruction of re-entry circuits often caused by a myocardial scar or a developmental anomaly. The incidence of complications is comparatively low. Nevertheless serious complications can occur that may include valvular disruptions, coronary occlusions, cerebrovascular accidents and death. 

WHO NEEDS CATHETER ABLATION?

Special cells in your heart create electrical signals that travel along pathways to the chambers of your heart. These signals make  heart’s upper and lower chambers beat in the proper sequence. Abnormal cells might create disorganised electrical signals that cause irregular or rapid heartbeats called arrhythmias. When they happen, your heart may not pump blood effectively and patient may feel fainting, short of breath and weak. The heart also feels pounding.

While medicines to treat arrhythmias may work very well for most people but they don’t work for everyone and may cause side effects in few people. In those cases, doctors may suggest catheter ablation to destroy the abnormal tissue without damaging the rest of the heart.The procedure is used mostly to treat a condition, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which occurs because of abnormal conduction fibers in the heart. It is also used to help control other heart-rhythm problems like atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATHETER ABLATION?

There a very few risks involved, the most common problems result from the use of the catheters – long, thin tubes doctors insert into your arteries or veins that can occasionally damage your blood vessels or cause bleeding or infection. 

PREPARATIONS FOR CATHETER ABLATION?

• Seek Doctor advise on what to eat and drink during the 24 hours prior to the procedure.

• Mostly fasting for at least 6 -8 hours prior to the procedure(No food or drinks) .

• Inform your doctor about any medicines you take and seek their advice. 

WHAT HAPPENS POST PROCEDURE?

• You’ll be moved to a recovery ward. The sheath usually stays in your leg for several hours after procedure and you might require lie flat. After the doctor or nurse removes the sheath, a nurse will put pressure on the puncture-site to contain the bleeding.

• You shall require keeping your leg straight for 6-8 hours after the doctor or nurse removes the sheath and you will be further told when you can get out of bed. 

• You will  be watched, monitored for your heart-beats and vitals.

• Inform your doctor, if you notice any swelling, pain or bleeding at the puncture site, or experiencing chest pain.

• Medication is prescribed for 2-4 weeks to minimise risk of clot-formation.

WHAT HAPPENS POST DISCHARGE? 

• You are told not to drive for 24 hrs after discharge

• No alcohol for 24 hrs 

• You shall have to avoid heavy physical activity for min 03 days. You shall need consult your doctor when you can resume strenuous exercise.

• While a  small bruise at the puncture-site is normal. If it starts bleeding - lie flat , press firmly on top of it and have someone call your doctor or the hospital.