Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
What is Atrial Fibrillation Ablation?
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a medical procedure that uses energy to neutralize areas of heart tissue causing irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation). This treatment aims to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and alleviate associated symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is a therapeutic option recommended when medications have not been effective or well-tolerated, and in some cases, as a first-line choice.
What is this procedure for?
Atrial fibrillation ablation is primarily used for:
- Treatment of atrial fibrillation: It serves to correct irregular heart rhythms that can increase the risk of complications such as strokes.
- Symptom relief: Helps reduce discomfort associated with atrial fibrillation, such as palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Prevention of complications: Decreases the risk of blood clot formation and other cardiovascular problems.
- Improved quality of life: It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and allows the patient to perform daily activities without limitations.
Benefits of High Technology in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
The procedure uses radiofrequency energy, cryotherapy, or electroporation to neutralize areas of heart tissue. These neutralized 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 surgery.
What does the procedure involve?
The atrial fibrillation ablation procedure involves:
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Preparation:
During the initial consultation, the cardiologist will perform a complete evaluation of your medical history and symptoms. You will undergo tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, or CT scan to plan the procedure. It is advisable to fast for several hours before the procedure. Additionally, be sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants.
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During the procedure:
During the procedure, you will usually receive general anesthesia. Catheters will be inserted through 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. Throughout the procedure, your heart rhythm will be monitored to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. The procedure usually lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
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After the procedure:
After the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery room where you will be monitored for 1-2 hours before returning to your room if there have been no incidents. You may experience mild discomfort at the catheter insertion sites or a feeling of tiredness. You will be advised to avoid intense physical activities for the first few days after the procedure. The cardiologist will evaluate the results and explain the findings and necessary follow-up.
Recommendations for the procedure
It is important to inform the medical team if you have any allergies to medications or materials used during the procedure. Also, be sure to follow all medical instructions before, during, and after the procedure to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Are there any risks?
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it can have risks that, although infrequent, can be serious:
- Bleeding or bruising: A the site where the catheters were inserted.
- Pericardial effusion: Although rare, fluid can accumulate in the pericardium (which is like a sac covering the heart) requiring direct puncture or, very rarely, surgery to drain the fluid.
- Cardiac injury: There is a low risk of damage to heart tissue.
- Clot formation: There may be a risk of blood clots that could cause a stroke.
- Anesthesia-related risks: Dizziness, nausea, or allergic reactions.
For your procedure to go smoothly, we ask that you arrive in advance of your scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the procedure, we will provide you with the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental ones), tattoos, or medication infusion devices, such as insulin pumps.
