Atrial fibrillation ablation
What is atrial fibrillation ablation?
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a medical procedure that uses energy to destroy areas of heart tissue causing irregular heartbeat rhythms (atrial fibrillation). This treatment aims to restore your heart’s normal rhythm and relieve associated symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is recommended when medications have not been effective or well tolerated and, in some cases, as a first choice.
What is this procedure for?
Atrial fibrillation ablation is primarily used to:
- Treat atrial fibrillation: It is used to correct irregular heart rhythms that can increase the risk of complications such as strokes.
- Relieve symptoms: It helps reduce the discomfort associated with atrial fibrillation, such as palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Reduce complications: It reduces the risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular problems.
Improve quality of life: It is used to restore a normal heart rhythm and allows the patient to perform daily activities without limitations.
Benefits of the latest technology in atrial fibrillation ablation
The procedure uses radiofrequency energy, cryotherapy, or electroporation to eliminate areas of heart tissue. These ablated areas block the abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation. Ablation can be performed using catheters inserted through blood vessels to the heart or through minimally invasive surgical interventions.
The atrial fibrillation ablation procedure involves:
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Preparation:
During the initial consultation, the cardiologist will carry out a complete evaluation of your medical history and symptoms. You will undergo tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or CT scan to plan the procedure. It is recommended to fast for several hours before the procedure. Also, be sure to inform your medical team about any medications you are taking, especially if they are blood thinners (anticoagulants).
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During the procedure:
During the procedure, you will typically receive general anesthesia. The catheters will be inserted through the blood vessels to the heart, guided by real-time imaging. Radiofrequency energy, extreme cold, or pulsed field (electroporation) will be applied to the areas responsible for the irregular rhythms. Your heart rhythm will be monitored throughout the procedure to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. The procedure usually takes between 2 and 4 hours.
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After the procedure:
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for 1–2 hours, after which you will return to your room if there are no complications. You may experience mild discomfort at the catheter insertion site or a feeling of tiredness. You will be advised to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days after surgery. The cardiologist will evaluate the results and explain the findings and necessary follow-up procedures.
Recommendations for the procedure
It is important to inform the medical team if you are allergic to any medication or material that will be used during the procedure. Also, follow all instructions carefully before, during and after the procedure to guarantee your well-being and the efficacy of the treatment.
Are there any risks?
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it involves risks that, although infrequent, can be serious:
- Bleeding or bruising: This can happen at the site where the catheters are inserted.
- Pericardial effusion: Although rare, fluid can form in the pericardium (which is like a sac that covers the heart) requiring a direct puncture or, very rarely, surgery to drain the fluid.
- Cardiac injury: There is a low risk of damage to the heart tissue.
- Clot formation: There is a risk of blood clots that could cause a stroke.
- Risks related to anesthesia: You may feel dizzy, nauseous, or suffer an allergic reaction.
To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps.
