What Is Catheter Ablation?
Catheter ablation (ab-LA-shun) is a medical
procedure used to treat some
arrhythmias
(ah-RITH-me-ahs). An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the
heartbeat.
During catheter ablation, a long, thin, flexible
tube is put into a blood vessel in your arm, groin (upper thigh), or neck. This
tube is called an ablation catheter. Its then guided to your heart
through the blood vessel. A special machine sends energy through the catheter
to your heart. This energy finds and destroys small areas of heart tissue where
abnormal heartbeats may cause an arrhythmia to start.
Overview
The hearts electrical system controls the
speed and rhythm of your heartbeat. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal
spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom. As it travels, the electrical
signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood.
The process repeats with each new heartbeat. A
problem with any part of this process can cause an arrhythmia. (For more
information about the heart's electrical system, go to the Diseases and
Conditions Index article on
How
the Heart Works.)
Catheter ablation is one of several treatments for
arrhythmia. Your doctor may recommend it if:
- The medicines you take dont control your
arrhythmia.
- You cant tolerate the medicines your doctor
has prescribed for your arrhythmia.
- You have
certain
types of arrhythmia, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Though few, catheter ablation has risks. These
include bleeding, infection, and pain where the catheter is inserted. More
serious problems include blood clots and puncture of the heart. Your doctor
will explain the risks to you.
Cardiologists (doctors who specialize in treating
people with heart problems) sometimes perform ablation through open-heart
surgery. But this method isnt as common as catheter ablation, which
doesnt require surgery to open the chest cavity.
Outlook
Catheter ablation alone doesnt always restore
a normal heart rate and rhythm. Other treatments may need to be used as well.
Also, some people who have the procedure may need to have it done again. This
can happen when the first procedure doesnt fully correct the problem.
November 2007 |