Does your heart suddenly start beating very fast? Do you sometimes feel a strange fluttering in your chest, or your heart rhythm is out of sync? If you have experienced this, you may have a condition called 'Atrial Flutter'. Don't worry, there are now very effective treatments for this. So today we are going to talk about one such very effective and widely used treatment, 'Atrial Flutter Ablation'.
Simply put, what is Atrial Flutter Ablation?
Before we understand this, let's first look at what 'Atrial Flutter' is. The two upper chambers of our heart (atria) are the ones that emit electrical signals that start the heartbeat. Normally, these signals are emitted in a very orderly, rhythmic manner. But in a person with 'Atrial Flutter', some of the cells in these upper chambers start emitting irregular, rapid electrical signals. It's like one of the instruments in an orchestra playing very fast and out of tune. This causes the heart's rhythm to become chaotic and the heart starts beating very fast.
Atrial Flutter Ablation is a treatment that identifies and destroys or deactivates the cells that are causing the irregular electrical signals. After this, the irregular signals stop and the heart beats normally again.
Two main methods are used for this task:
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This involves using heat to destroy the problematic cells.
- Cryoablation: This involves using extreme cold (freezing) to deactivate the cells.
Both of these methods do the same thing: they stop the signals from the cells that disrupt the heart's rhythm.
Why do you need this treatment?
Usually, the doctor first tries to control the heart rate by giving medications. But sometimes the medications are not able to control the condition. Then, a treatment called ``Cardioversion'' is sometimes performed. This means giving the heart a small electrical shock to try to get it to beat again.
So, if neither medication nor cardioversion can control your heart rate , your doctor may recommend atrial flutter ablation as the next best and most effective solution.
How do you prepare before treatment?
Although this is not a major surgery, it does require a little preparation.
- The doctor will tell you not to eat or drink anything for about six to eight hours before the treatment.
- You may be asked to stop taking some medications you are currently taking a few days before this treatment. Your doctor will clearly advise you about this.
- Very important: If you are taking anticoagulants, do not stop taking them for any reason unless your doctor tells you to. This is very important.
How does this treatment work?
Many people think of this as `open-heart surgery`. But it is not. This is done in a special unit dedicated to heart diseases (`cardiac catheterization lab`).
In simple terms, what happens step by step is as follows:
1. First, you will be given medicine to numb your pain and put you to sleep (`twilight sedation`). Sometimes, you may also be given general anesthesia.
2. Then the doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin of your groin.
3. Through it, several very fine, flexible tubes (`(Catheters)`) are inserted into a blood vessel.
4. Another thin tube with an electrode (electrode catheter) is passed through this tube to the heart.
5. Using this electrode, a map is created to determine exactly where the problematic electrical signals in the heart are coming from (`mapping`).
6. Once the problematic cells are identified, they are destroyed by sending radiofrequency energy (heat).
This entire process can usually take about two to four hours .
What happens after treatment?
After the treatment is complete, any tubes that were inserted will be removed. The surgeon will apply pressure to the site of the needle insertion to stop the bleeding. You will then be instructed to keep your leg extended for six to eight hours .
Even after you go home, you should continue to take your anticoagulants (blood thinners) as prescribed by your doctor, without missing a single dose. If you experience any excessive bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
How effective is this treatment? And what are the risks?
This is the biggest problem for many people. The good news is that ``(Atrial Flutter Ablation)`` is a treatment that has a success rate of more than 90% . Most people's heartbeat returns to normal after this. However, a very small number of people (about 4%-6%) have a chance of this condition recurring.
As with any medical procedure, there is a very small risk involved, but the chance of complications is less than 1%.
| Risk/Complexity | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Heart Block | Disruption of the heart's electrical signal transmission. |
| Stroke | A blood clot that travels to the brain and blocks it (Anticoagulants are given to prevent this). |
| Cardiac Perforation | Accidental damage to the heart wall during treatment (very rare). |
| Infection | Infection at the site of insertion of the needle. |
| Bleeding | Excessive bleeding from the puncture site. |
Remember, these are very rare events. Your medical team is well-trained to manage these risks.
How long does it take to heal?
Another good thing about this is that the recovery time is very short.
- You can resume normal activities as soon as you get home.
- However, it is best to stay away from strenuous activities like physical education and lifting weights for about three days .
Depending on your cardiologist's advice, you may need to continue taking blood-thinning medications, either short-term or long-term.
When do you need to see a doctor?
It is very important that you are well informed about this. Be aware of the symptoms below.
| In cases where emergency medical care is required - call 1990 or go to the ETU immediately! | |
|---|---|
| - If the wound from the sting suddenly and rapidly swells. | - If the bleeding from the wound cannot be stopped. |
| - If you experience severe chest pain. | - If you experience symptoms of paralysis such as difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body. |
| When to call your doctor | |
| - Difficulty breathing | - If you feel dizzy or faint. |
| - If you feel numbness in the injured leg | - If there is increasing swelling or bruising around the wound |
| - If your heartbeat feels abnormal again | - Stomach upset or nausea |
Having an irregular heartbeat can be a frustrating experience. But there are now very good and effective treatments for it. Atrial Flutter Ablation is one such very effective treatment. The best person to know if this treatment is right for you is your doctor. Talk to him or her about it thoroughly and ask all your questions.
Take-Home Message
- Atrial Flutter Ablation is a treatment for irregular heartbeats that is more than 90% successful.
- This is not a chest-expansion surgery. It is done by inserting a thin tube through a blood vessel in the groin.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully before and after treatment, especially regarding blood-thinning medications.
- The recovery period is very short. You can return to normal life in a few days.
- Be aware of emergency symptoms such as heavy bleeding, chest pain, and sudden swelling. If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
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