Heart procedure
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation treats abnormal heart rhythms by using heat or cold through a catheter to destroy the small area of heart tissue causing the problem.
Quick answer
Catheter Ablation: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Catheter ablation threads thin wires (catheters) through a vein to the heart and uses radiofrequency heat or freezing (cryoablation) to create tiny scars that block the faulty electrical signals causing an arrhythmia.
- Why it is done: It is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardias and some other arrhythmias, especially when medicines have not controlled symptoms.
- What happens: Usually under local anaesthetic with sedation, or sometimes general anaesthetic, catheters are guided to the heart through a vein in the groin.
What it is
Catheter ablation threads thin wires (catheters) through a vein to the heart and uses radiofrequency heat or freezing (cryoablation) to create tiny scars that block the faulty electrical signals causing an arrhythmia.
Why it is done
It is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardias and some other arrhythmias, especially when medicines have not controlled symptoms.
What happens
Usually under local anaesthetic with sedation, or sometimes general anaesthetic, catheters are guided to the heart through a vein in the groin. The problem area is mapped and then ablated. It can take a few hours.
Recovery
Most people go home the same day or after an overnight stay, resting the leg for a while to prevent bleeding. Normal activities usually resume within a few days, though full benefit can take weeks.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding or bruising at the groin, damage to the heart or blood vessels, and rarely more serious complications. Some arrhythmias need more than one procedure to control fully.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Catheter Ablation: frequently asked questions
Will ablation cure my arrhythmia?
It can be very effective, and some arrhythmias are cured in a single procedure. Others, such as atrial fibrillation, may need more than one treatment or continued medicines to stay controlled.
Am I awake during catheter ablation?
It is often done under sedation so you are relaxed and comfortable rather than fully asleep, though some procedures use general anaesthetic. Your team will explain what to expect.
Related
Other heart procedure
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Cardiovascular Society / relevant professional body
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