Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmia

Overview

This procedure corrects an abnormal heart rhythm. It uses energy pulses to change the way your heart's electrical signals flow.

Preparation

To begin, you're given medicine to relax you. Monitors closely track your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Next, the doctor numbs the skin where needles will be inserted for the procedure, usually at your neck, arm or groin. The needles will be used to insert thin tubes we call "catheters" into the large blood vessels leading to your heart. Some catheters find problems in your heart. Some treat your heart. A fluoroscope (a special video x-ray device) guides the catheters to the heart.

Ablation

Now, the areas that are interfering with the flow of your heart's natural electric signals are treated. Those areas are hit with bursts of energy. This changes the flow of the signals that control your heartbeats. Several spots may need to be treated. This lets your heart beat with a normal rhythm.

End of procedure

After the treatment, you're watched in a recovery room. Follow your doctor's care plan for a safe recovery.