Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmias

What is Catheter Ablation?
Catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique that disrupts (destroys) parts of the abnormal electrical pathway that is causing your arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

During catheter ablation, doctors insert a special electrode catheter (long, flexible wire) into the heart. They position the catheter so that it lies close to the abnormal electrical pathway, and then pass heat energy through it. The tip of the catheter heats up and destroys the small area of heart tissue that contains the abnormal pathway.

EP Study and Catheter Ablation
If you are having an EP study for the first time, your doctor may decide to do a catheter ablation at the same sitting as the EP study. The main difference between these two procedures is that the EP study is performed to diagnose the problem, whereas catheter ablation is done to treat the problem.

What you can Expect
You will be awake during the procedure, although medication may be given to help you relax (it's not uncommon to doze off during the procedure). The staff will be monitoring your progress constantly.

The procedure usually is not painful, although you may feel some pressure at the insertion site(s) during the insertion of the catheters. You may also feel tires and uncomfortable from lying still for a long time.

During the procedure, doctors may stimulate your heart with tiny electrical impulses. You will not feel these impulses, but they may induce the arrhythmia that has causes your symptoms in the past.

The procedure can be quite lengthy. Depending on the particular arrhythmia you have and whether an EP study is also done, a complete procedure can last from two to six hours.

At Home, After Your Ablation

• Limit your activity during the first few days after returning home. You can move about, but do not strain or lift heavy objects.
• Leave the dressing on the insertion site(s) until the day after the procedure.
• A black-and-blue mark ("bruise") or a small lump under the skin at the insertion site is common.
• Call your doctor if the insertion site becomes painful or warm to the touch, if the bruising or swelling increases, or if you develop a fever over 100°F.