Cardiology

Cardiac ablation is performed to correct problems with your heart rhythm by blocking electrical pathways in the heart. Here’s what you need to know.

When your doctor identifies a problem with your heart rhythm (arrhythmia) they may send you straight for a cardiac ablation procedure, depending on the type of heart rhythm problem you have. But most often, the procedure is only recommended when medicines or other treatments haven’t worked.

What causes arrythmia (irregular heartbeat)?

When your heart beats, the electrical signals that cause it to contract (squeeze) must follow a specific pathway through the heart. Any disruption in the signalling pathway can trigger arrhythmia, which can potentially be life-threatening.

How does cardiac ablation work?

The ablation procedure uses either heat (radiofrequency ablation) or freezing (cryoablation) on the area of your heart that’s causing the abnormal heart rhythm. This treatment creates scar tissue that:

  • Breaks abnormal circuits in the heart
  • Destroys small areas of the heart muscle that are triggering arrhythmias. 

Before your procedure

  • Tell your healthcare professional about:
  • Any allergies you have
  • Medicines you’re taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter products
  • Problems you or family members have had with anaesthetics
  • Bleeding problems
  • Prior surgeries
  • Medical conditions
  • Whether you’re pregnant or may be pregnant.

Your healthcare professional will advise you about:

  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines, such as any heart rhythm medicines, diabetes medicines, or blood thinners you take.
  • Stopping medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can thin your blood. Never take them unless your healthcare professional tells you to.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • What and when you may eat and drink before the surgery.

What are the risks?

No medical procedure is completely risk-free. Your healthcare professional will inform you about risks such as:

  • Infection
  • Bruising and bleeding
  • Stroke or blood clots
  • Damage to nearby structures or organs
  • Allergic reaction to medicines or dyes
  • Needing a pacemaker if your heart gets damaged
  • Failure of the procedure, in which case you may need a repeat procedure.

What happens during my procedure?

  • An IV is inserted into one of your veins.
  • You may be given:
    • a sedative to help you relax
    • anaesthesia to numb some areas of your body.
  • An incision is made in your neck or groin.
  • A needle is inserted through the incision and into a large vein in your neck or groin.
  • A catheter (small, thin tube) will be inserted through the needle and moved to your heart.
  • A fluoroscopy (type of X-ray) is used to help guide the catheter and provide images of your heart on a monitor
  • Dye may be injected through the catheter to help your surgeon see the area of the heart that needs treatment.
  • Electrical currents will be sent from the catheter to destroy heart tissue in certain areas.
  • When the unhealthy tissue has been destroyed, the catheter is removed.
  • Pressure is placed on the insertion area to prevent bleeding and a dressing is placed over the area.

What happens after my procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
  • Your insertion area will be checked for bleeding. You’ll need to lie still for a few hours.
  • If the insertion was made through your groin, you’ll need to keep your leg straight for a few hours after the catheter is removed.
  • Full recovery could take from three to four weeks. You may have tenderness/bruising in areas where the catheter was inserted and you’ll probably be advised to avoid strenuous activity while you’re healing.

To find a cardiologist near you, click here.