Q. What is catheter ablation, and how is it used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Catheter ablation is a valuable procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder. Let's break it down.
What is Catheter Ablation?
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive, precision-guided treatment for AFib. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into your blood vessels and guided to your heart.
How Does It Work?
Once the catheter reaches your heart, it delivers energy, like radiofrequency or cryoablation, to create small scars or lesions. These scars disrupt the abnormal electrical pathways causing AFib, helping restore a normal heart rhythm.
Why Is It Used for AFib?
Catheter ablation is used when medications haven't effectively controlled AFib or when patients experience intolerable side effects from medications. It's especially considered for those with paroxysmal AFib, which is an intermittent form of the condition.
The Procedure:
The process is typically done in a specialized cardiac electrophysiology lab. You'll be awake, but local anesthesia numbs the catheter insertion site. Guided by advanced mapping technology, the doctor carefully targets the areas in the heart responsible for the abnormal electrical signals.
Benefits:
Catheter ablation can significantly reduce AFib symptoms, improve your quality of life, and potentially reduce the need for long-term medication. Many patients experience a return to normal sinus rhythm after the procedure.
Recovery:
After catheter ablation, you'll need some recovery time, but it's generally shorter than with more invasive surgeries. You may have to stay in the hospital overnight and should arrange for someone to drive you home.
Risks:
Like any medical procedure, there are risks involved, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the heart or blood vessels. However, the benefits often outweigh the risks when appropriately indicated.
Consultation:
The decision to undergo catheter ablation should be made in consultation with a cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disorders. They will evaluate your specific condition and determine if this procedure is suitable for you.
Catheter ablation offers hope to many AFib patients looking for a more effective treatment option. It's essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to explore whether this procedure is right for your unique situation.