Our Summary

This study looked at different methods of radiofrequency (RF) ablation, a medical procedure that uses electrical energy to treat certain areas of the heart. The team tested three approaches using pig heart tissue and a simulator. They found that the method called simultaneous biparietal bidirectional bipolar (SBB) ablation resulted in smaller treated areas than the other two methods. However, the SBB method was more effective at penetrating the tissue. In the other two methods, the electrical energy spread more on the surface but failed to penetrate as deeply. This means the SBB method might be better at treating the entire thickness of the heart tissue.

FAQs

  1. What is radiofrequency (RF) ablation and how is it used in treating the heart?
  2. What is the simultaneous biparietal bidirectional bipolar (SBB) ablation method and how does it differ from other methods?
  3. Why might the SBB method be more effective in treating the entire thickness of the heart tissue?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing cardiac ablation to follow post-procedure care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, monitoring for any signs of infection or complications, and attending follow-up appointments. They may also advise the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption to promote heart health.

Suitable For

Cardiac ablation is typically recommended for patients with certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. These patients may have symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath that can be improved with ablation.

Patients who have not responded well to medications or other treatments for their arrhythmias may also be candidates for cardiac ablation. Additionally, patients who are at high risk for complications from their arrhythmias, such as those with underlying heart disease or a history of stroke, may be recommended for ablation.

It is important for patients to discuss their specific medical history and symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine if cardiac ablation is the right treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before cardiac ablation:

  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram to determine the source of the arrhythmia
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms or control heart rate
  • Patient may be advised to avoid certain activities or substances that can trigger arrhythmias
  • Patient may undergo a cardiac catheterization procedure to further evaluate the heart’s electrical system

After cardiac ablation:

  • Patient is monitored closely for a few hours after the procedure to check for any complications
  • Patient may experience some discomfort or soreness at the catheter insertion site
  • Patient may need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to prevent blood clots or manage any arrhythmias that may occur post-procedure
  • Patient will need to follow up with their healthcare provider for regular monitoring and follow-up appointments to assess the success of the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is cardiac ablation and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of cardiac ablation?
  3. How do I prepare for the procedure and what can I expect during and after the procedure?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments to cardiac ablation that I should consider?
  5. What is the success rate of cardiac ablation for my specific condition?
  6. How long will it take for me to recover from the procedure?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after cardiac ablation?
  8. What follow-up care will be needed after the procedure?
  9. Are there any potential complications or side effects I should be aware of?
  10. How often will I need to have follow-up appointments to monitor my heart health after cardiac ablation?

Reference

Authors: Matteucci F, Maesen B, De Asmundis C, Bidar E, Micali L, Parise G, Maessen JG, La Meir M, Gelsomino S. Journal: Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2021 Jun 28;33(1):34-42. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivab047. PMID: 33611536