Ablation can also be referred to as radiofrequency ablation, catheter ablation, and cardiac ablation. This nonsurgical procedure is a treatment used to correct or control some types of rapid heart rhythm problems including atrial fibrillation.

Some of these rhythm problems are due to an extra electrical pathway which acts like a short-circuit causing the heart to beat very fast. If this pathway can be permanently interrupted (the term is ablated), the abnormally fast heartbeat can be cured.

Related topics: atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, ICDs, your heart health.

Ablation – Why is it Performed?

This procedure is often performed as a second line treatment where medication has been unsuccessful or where serious side effects from the medications have occurred.

Some arrhythmias (abnormal heart beating) respond well to ablation such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The success rate of ablation for the great majority of fast heart beats is 95 to 98%.

Ablation – What are The Risks?

An ablation, like most invasive procedures, involves a small amount of risk. Some bleeding can happen where the catheter is inserted in the groin and some bruising can result.

If you notice any redness or swelling at the wound site you should contact your doctor.

Sometimes the heart’s normal electrical pathways can be damaged. If this happens, you may need to be fitted with a pacemaker to stop your heart from beating too slowly.

Ablation – How is it Performed?

As ablation causes little or no pain, you are usually mildly sedated with local anaesthetic. Long, flexible tubes (catheters) are inserted through a vein in your groin or at your neck and threaded up to your heart. Once they are in the correct position, high frequency energy is sent through the wire to heat up and destroy an area of tissue that is causing the arrhythmia or irregular heart beat. This procedure usually takes 2 to 4 hours but if more complicated can take longer.

Ablation – After the Procedure

When your procedure is finished, all the tubes and wires are removed. Sometimes there can be a small amount of bleeding from the groin area when they are taken out. Pressure will be put on the area for a short while to stop any bleeding. Some bruising and tenderness is not uncommon.

You will be kept lying flat on your back for a few hours and may be kept in hospital overnight. Many people feel tired afterwards, but within a few days you should feel back to normal.

Ablation – Results

Ablation procedures can be very successful but for some people they may need to have it repeated. Medications may need to be continued even after ablation.

There are a range of changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help to improve your heart health and prevent further problems. These include:

• Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, like in coffee, alcohol, and nicotine from smoking.
• These can trigger an irregular heart rate.
• Have your blood pressure and cholesterol monitored regularly, and keep them under control.
• Be active. Check with your doctor or nurse what a safe and reasonable level of activity or exercise is for you before you start.
• Reduce stress and find ways to manage or control any stress you cannot avoid.
• Eat heart-healthy foods and maintain a healthy weight
• Go for regular check-ups. They will help you maintain your quality of life.

Ablation – Resources

AF and You is our information booklet for people living with Atrial Fibrillation

Heart & Stroke Conditions A-Z – see our range of guides.

Your Heart Health – view our articles on ways to manage and reduce your risk factors, from being active to stress, cholesterol, losing weight, blood pressure and more.

Step by Step through Heart Attack – our patient information booklet

Angioplasty and Angiogram – pages

Step by Step through Stroke – our patient information booklet

Step by Step through Heart Medicines – our patient information booklet

Step by Step through Inherited Heart Disease – our patient information booklet

Step by Step through Heart Failure – our patient information booklet

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