Do you have an irregular heart rhythm? Let's talk about the treatment called Cardiac Ablation!

Have you ever felt like your heart suddenly started beating very fast, or that it was beating out of rhythm? Or do you get a strange feeling like a butterfly fluttering in your chest? In medical terms, we call this condition 'Arrhythmia' or irregular heartbeat. Today we are talking about a special, but very advanced treatment method that doctors use when this cannot be controlled with medication.

Simply put, what is cardiac ablation?

Cardiac Ablation (also known as Catheter Ablation) is a method of treating abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Imagine that our heart has an electrical system, and it is the signals it receives that make it beat properly. Sometimes, small areas of this electrical system can produce abnormal electrical impulses. This procedure seeks out the tissue areas that are sending those abnormal signals and "turns them off."

This is not a major operation. It is performed by a cardiologist. He or she inserts a very thin tube (catheter) into your heart through a vein in your groin, arm, or neck. Then, heat (radiofrequency ablation), extreme cold (cryoablation), or short energy waves (pulsed field ablation) are sent through this tube, creating small scars in the tissue where the abnormal signals are coming from. These scars stop the abnormal electrical signals from traveling, and the heart rhythm is restored to normal.

What types of conditions does this treatment treat?

Cardiac ablation is a treatment for very fast heartbeats (tachyarrhythmias). However, it is not usually given as a first-line treatment. Your doctor may suggest this treatment only if your arrhythmia cannot be controlled with medication. Your doctor will carefully examine your heart and overall health before deciding if this treatment is right for you.

This treatment is most commonly used for the following conditions.

Additionally, this treatment may also be recommended for those at high risk of life-threatening conditions such as sudden cardiac arrest or Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib).

How do you prepare before treatment?

Before this procedure, you will need to do the following:

• Stop taking blood thinners: If you are taking medications like aspirin or warfarin, you may be asked to stop taking them for a few days. But do this only as directed by your doctor, and only from the day he or she tells you to. Don't stop whenever you feel like it.
• Avoid eating or drinking: You will be asked to stop eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure, usually after midnight. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on this.
• Someone to help you go home: Arrange in advance for someone to take you home after the procedure.
• An IV line is placed: An IV line (like a tube used to give you saline) is placed in a vein in your arm. This is where you will be given the necessary medications and anesthesia.
• Clothing and belongings: Wear comfortable clothes. It is best to leave valuable jewelry and belongings at home.

What happens during treatment?

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during the ablation procedure:

1. First, the site where the catheter will be inserted (usually the groin) is cleaned and the skin is numbed.

2. Next, a small tube (sheath) is inserted into the blood vessel, creating a path for the catheter to enter.

3. Fine catheters with electrodes are passed through the sheath and along the blood vessel to the heart. This is done under the guidance of an X-ray-like technique.

4. Once in the heart, these catheters 'map' the heart's electrical activity and pinpoint where the faulty signals are coming from.

5. Once the problem area is located, heat, cold, or energy waves are sent from the tip of the catheter to treat the tissue and stop the wrong signals from coming through.

6. Finally, the catheter and sheath are carefully removed.

This entire process can usually take two to four hours, sometimes longer.

What happens after treatment?

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. You will need to stay there for a few hours. A nurse will continue to monitor your condition, heart rate, and blood pressure. Depending on your condition, you may be able to go home the same day, or you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

When you go home, you will be given clear instructions to follow at home. Your doctor will prescribe aspirin or another blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots. This may need to be taken for several months or longer.

Benefits and success of treatment

This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a long hospital stay, and it can help restore normal heart rhythms that cannot be controlled with medication. In some cases, it can be a life-saving treatment .

If successful, it depends on the type of arrhythmia you have.

• Conditions like SVT have a high success rate of 90% - 95% .
• For conditions like Afib and VT, the success rate is between 60% - 80% .

What are the risks and things to know?

The risks of cardiac ablation are very low. Complications are rare, especially in a hospital setting where this type of treatment is routinely performed. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of:

• Blood clots
• Catheter damage to blood vessels or heart valves
• Infection or bleeding
• Stroke
• Needing to have a permanent pacemaker implanted

If you are a pregnant mother, talk to your doctor about whether this treatment can be postponed until after the baby is born.

Recovery and when to see a doctor

It may take several weeks to fully heal. Avoid lifting more than 5 kg or doing strenuous exercise for at least a week after the procedure. Ask your doctor when you can return to work and drive.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

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