Our Summary

This research paper discusses how it is possible to perform heart surgery to correct irregular heartbeats without the use of fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray that shows a continuous image on a monitor). It suggests using current, and often standard, equipment in the electrophysiology lab to do this safely and effectively. The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to improve the use of internal heart scans, and how to perform complicated surgeries using radiofrequency (a type of heat energy) and cryoballoon technology (a technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing irregular heartbeats).

FAQs

  1. What is fluoroless catheter ablation?
  2. How is intracardiac echocardiography optimized in fluoroless ablation?
  3. What technologies are used in performing complex ablations?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac ablation is to follow post-procedure care instructions closely, including taking any prescribed medications as directed, avoiding strenuous activities for a period of time, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support heart health and reduce the risk of arrhythmias in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac ablation include those with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. These patients may have symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and may not respond well to medication or other treatments. Cardiac ablation is often recommended for patients who have not had success with medication or who are at high risk for complications from their arrhythmias.

Timeline

Before cardiac ablation:

  • Patient consults with a cardiologist or electrophysiologist to determine if cardiac ablation is necessary
  • Patient undergoes various tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and possibly a cardiac MRI to evaluate the heart’s structure and function
  • If deemed a suitable candidate, patient schedules a date for the ablation procedure
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or follow specific dietary restrictions in the days leading up to the procedure

After cardiac ablation:

  • Patient is monitored closely in a recovery area for a few hours after the procedure
  • Patient may experience some discomfort or soreness at the catheter insertion site
  • Patient is typically discharged the same day or the next day, depending on the type of ablation performed
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days and to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare team
  • Patient may need to follow up with their cardiologist or electrophysiologist for further monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is cardiac ablation and how does it work?
  2. Am I a good candidate for cardiac ablation?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cardiac ablation?
  4. How successful is cardiac ablation in treating my specific heart condition?
  5. What is the recovery process like after cardiac ablation?
  6. Will I need to take any medications after the procedure?
  7. How long will the effects of the cardiac ablation last?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make after the procedure?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after cardiac ablation?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my heart condition?

Reference

Authors: Demo H, Willoughby C, Jazayeri MA, Razminia M. Journal: Card Electrophysiol Clin. 2019 Dec;11(4):719-729. doi: 10.1016/j.ccep.2019.08.013. PMID: 31706478