July 11, 2024
At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care and education. Cardiac ablation is a transformative procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from various heart conditions. For patients considering cardiac ablation in Baton Rouge, Zachary, and beyond, it helps to have a greater understanding of the procedure and what’s involved. This guide aims to educate potential patients about cardiac ablation, answering common questions and addressing concerns.
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. The purpose of this procedure is to disrupt or eliminate the faulty electrical pathways in the heart tissue that cause irregular heartbeats.
Cardiac ablation offers several benefits to individuals with heart rhythm issues. By pinpointing and treating problematic areas, it can help restore a normal heart rhythm, providing relief from symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Additionally, effective management of arrhythmias through cardiac ablation can help prevent serious complications such as stroke or heart failure. Moreover, many patients undergoing this procedure may be able to decrease or even stop their reliance on long-term medications typically used to manage arrhythmias.
Cardiac ablation is an effective treatment for several types of arrhythmias and heart conditions. These conditions include:
Anesthesia is typically utilized during the procedure, either with local anesthesia combined with sedation or general anesthesia. The process involves the insertion of thin, flexible catheters through a vein in the groin or neck, which are then guided to the heart. Advanced imaging techniques are employed for mapping the heart’s electrical activity, allowing the identification of abnormal areas.
Energy, such as radiofrequency or cryotherapy, is then utilized to eliminate the tissue responsible for the arrhythmia. The duration of the procedure usually ranges from two to four hours. The time frame will typically depend on the complexity of the arrhythmia.
You will be monitored for several hours in a recovery room to ensure there are no immediate complications. Most patients can return home the same day or the following day.
Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days. Avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Remember to report any unusual symptoms such as chest pain, increased heart rate, or swelling at the catheter insertion site to your doctor immediately.
An initial check-up is usually arranged within a week to evaluate your recovery progress and discuss any issues. Ongoing monitoring may require additional appointments to track your heart’s rhythm and overall well-being.
You might need to wear a Holter monitor for 24 to 48 hours to monitor your heart’s activity. ECG/Echocardiogram tests could be repeated at intervals to confirm the successful treatment of the arrhythmia.
If you are a patient considering cardiac ablation in Baton Rouge or Zachary, Cardiovascular Institute of the South is ready to help. Cardiac ablation is a highly effective procedure for treating various arrhythmias, offering significant benefits in terms of symptom relief and quality of life improvements.
At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, our commitment to patient wellness ensures you receive the highest standard of care throughout your treatment journey. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier heart.