Overview

Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart to block irregular electrical signals and restore a typical heartbeat. The procedure is used to correct heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

Cardiac ablation is most often done using thin, flexible tubes called catheters inserted through the veins or arteries. Less commonly, ablation is performed during cardiac surgery.

Why it’s done

Cardiac ablation is a procedure that’s used to correct heart rhythm problems.

When the heart beats, the electrical signals that cause the heart to squeeze (contract) must follow a specific pathway through the heart. Any disruption in the signaling pathway can trigger an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

Depending on the type of heart rhythm problem, cardiac ablation may be one of the first treatments. Other times, it’s done when other medicines or treatments don’t work.

Your health care provider may recommend cardiac ablation if you:

  • Have tried medications to treat an arrhythmia without success
  • Have had serious side effects from medications to treat arrhythmias
  • Have certain types of arrhythmias that respond well to ablation, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and supraventricular tachycardia
  • Have a high risk of complications from arrhythmias, such as sudden cardiac arrest

Results

Most people see improvements in their quality of life after cardiac ablation. But there’s a chance that the irregular heartbeat may return. If this happens, the procedure may be repeated or you and your health care provider might consider other treatments. Depending on your type of arrhythmia, you may still need to take heart medication after a cardiac ablation.

Consult a Cardiologist in India

Cost of Radio frequency (RF) Ablation-heart rhythm correction in India