When does one see the results after cardiac ablation?

In most cases, patients require several treatments to complete destroy the abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. Unfortunately, even after treatment, many patients still need to take medications for a long time. Cardiac ablation does decrease the frequency of certain abnormal rhythms but in many cases, drug therapy is still required afterwards. To keep your heart healthy, avoid smoking, maintain decent weight, avoid too much caffeine and alcohol, and exercise on a regular basis.

How is cardiac ablation done?

In most cases it is done in a cardiac laboratory which has full monitoring capabilities. You will be hooked on to a monitor and have an IV started,. You may also receive medications to help your relax. A small tube will be inserted in a groin vessel and wire will be passed through it all the way to the heart. The producer is done under x-ray. The doctor will then locate the abnormal pathways in the heart and use heat energy to destroy them. This will stop any abnormal electrical activity going through the scar tissues. The procedure may take 2-6 hours. Most people require an overnight stay in hospital.

Does cardiac ablation have any complications?

Sure, like any procedure on the heart, there are certain risk. The following can occur:

Bleeding at the groin site where the catheter was inserted

Damage to the blood vessel

Puncture of the heart with the wire

Damage to the heart's electrical system

Heart attack or stroke

The dye used during the procedure can damage the kidneys. The risks of dye injury to the kidney are increased in diabetics or those with existing renal disease. In general cardiac ablation tends to be of high risk in elderly people.

Why is cardiac ablation done?

In some people, the abnormal heart rhythms are recurrent and not controlled with medications. In others, the adverse effects of medications cannot be tolerated. Cardiac ablation is done for abnormal heart rhythms that are considered to be of high risk like Wolff Parkinson white syndrome. In such cases, cure is possible with cardiac ablation.

What exactly is cardiac ablation?

Cardiac ablation is a fancy name to describe a procedure that can terminate the abnormal heart rhythms. The treatment involves use of a flexible wire that is inserted through the groin vessel and moved towards the heart. The origin of the abnormal heart rhythms in the heart are located and destroyed by heat energy. This helps prevent abnormal heart rhythms. In some cases, cardiac ablation is done during open heart surgery. Today most cardiologists perform the ablation in the cardiac lab and there is no surgical incision involved. Like any procedure, you need to be fasting for 8-12 hours. You maybe told to stop taking some of your heart medications a few days prior to the procedure.

When are results of holter monitor available?

Once the monitoring is over, the device is handed back to the doctor. The electrodes are removed and the list of your symptoms will be given to the doctor. The doctor will then interpret the symptoms with any changes in heart rhythm. It usually takes about 3-5 days before the results are available. If the holter fails to record any abnormal heart rhythm, your doctor may then order an event recorder. This is a small finger tip like device that is inserted under the chest skin using local anesthesia. It can record heart rhythms for up to a month.

Is the holter monitor safe?

Yes, the holter monitor is a non invasive device. It does no harm nor does it generate any electrical shocks. However, the holter monitor can be damaged by rough handling, water or any other liquids. The holter monitor is not affected by microwave ovens or computers. When going through metal detectors, the holter monitor needs to be removed. The holter monitor is usually placed at the doctor’ office. Electrodes on sticky tape are attached to the skin and the leads are attached to the holter device. The holter is then worn around the neck. In addition, you will also be told to record any abnormal symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath palpitations,) and the time when these symptoms appear. The holter can be worn anytime, but for most patients, weekends are convenient.