Cardiac ablation is a treatment procedure performed to correct irregular heart rhythms due to arrhythmias. A heart ablation procedure may be performed by a cardiologist to treat arrhythmias that make the heart beat too slow, fast, or irregularly.
A normal heart will beat regularly with a uniform rhythm so that blood pressure is stable and blood circulation in the body runs smoothly. When an arrhythmia occurs, the rhythm of the heartbeat is disturbed.
This condition can make blood flow in the body can be disrupted. If not treated by a doctor, arrhythmias can be life threatening.
There are several ways that can be done to treat arrhythmias, ranging from the use of drugs, implanting a pacemaker (pacemaker), surgery, as well as a minor surgical method called cardiac ablation.
Types of Arrhythmias Treatable with Cardiac Ablation
Cardiac ablation procedures are generally only performed if other treatment methods have not succeeded in treating the patient's arrhythmia. The following are types of arrhythmias that can be treated with cardiac ablation procedures:
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation or AF is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by fast and irregular heartbeats. People with atrial fibrillation may not experience any symptoms. However, this disease can sometimes cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Supraventricular tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia or SVT is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by an excessively fast heart rate. This condition is caused by excessive electrical impulses in the area around the atria of the heart. SVT can cause several symptoms, such as dizziness, cold sweats, and heavy breathing.
ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia, also known as VT, is a condition when the ventricles (chambers) of the heart beat too fast. People suffering from this condition do not always experience symptoms. However, if over time VT can cause shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, and fainting. If left untreated, this disease can also cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart Ablation Procedure Steps
Cardiac ablation is part of cardiac catheterization. The following are some of the steps in the cardiac ablation procedure that the patient needs to undergo:
1. Preparation before action
As part of the preparation, the doctor will give instructions to the patient regarding a number of activities that should not be done, diet and types of foods that need to be avoided, as well as drugs that should be consumed or stopped before the operation takes place.
After being scheduled to undergo cardiac ablation, the patient will be asked to go to the hospital and undergo hospitalization if necessary. While in hospital, patients may also be asked to be accompanied by family members so that they can go through the post-ablation recovery process more comfortably.
2. During cardiac ablation tindakan
Cardiac ablation is generally performed in a hospital by a cardiologist and assisted by nurses in the operating room. The process takes about 2-4 hours.
Usually, this procedure is performed when the patient is awake. The patient will be given anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation first so that the patient does not feel pain or anxiety during the cardiac ablation procedure.
After the anesthetic is administered, the doctor will make an incision in the patient's thigh to place one or more catheters in the blood vessels leading to the heart. At the end of the catheter there are electrodes that will be used to destroy a small piece of tissue in the heart that causes heart rhythm disturbances.
3. After ablation
After the cardiac ablation is completed, the patient will be transferred to the treatment room. While in the treatment room, patients will usually be advised to rest in bed and not get up and walk if they are still weak. While in the treatment room, the doctor or nurse will periodically monitor the patient's condition.
Usually the patient is allowed to go home one day after the cardiac ablation procedure. When allowed to go home, the doctor will prescribe medicines that need to be taken for some time to prevent the risk of bleeding.
4. Home care after cardiac ablation
Generally, patients are allowed to carry out their normal activities for at least a few days after the ablation is performed. However, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and not to drive a vehicle for a few days.
If a small bruise appears on the area of the leg or thigh where the catheter was inserted, this is normal. However, if there are complaints such as bleeding, swelling, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath, immediately return to the doctor or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.
Complication Risk and Success Rate
Cardiac ablation is a safe procedure for people with arrhythmias and there is little risk of complications if the procedure is done correctly.
However, this procedure can still pose a risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to the heart and blood vessels. However, these complications are rare.
Before deciding to undergo cardiac ablation, consult with a cardiologist first.
When you consult with your doctor, you can ask questions about the heart ablation procedure so that you fully understand the benefits, risks, and possible complications that can occur, before deciding to undergo a heart ablation procedure.