Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
What is ablation for atrial fibrillation?
Ablation is a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. It uses small burns or freezes
of heart cells to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart, which helps break
up and/or insulate the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. This can
help the heart maintain a normal heart rhythm.
The heart has 4 chambers. There are 2 upper chambers called atria and 2 lower chambers
called ventricles. Normally a special group of cells begin the signal to start your
heartbeat. These cells are in the sinoatrial (SA) node in the upper right atrium of
the heart. During atrial fibrillation (AFib), the signal to start the heartbeat doesn’t
begin in the sinoatrial node the way it should. Instead, the signal begins somewhere
else within the tissue of the atria. This abnormal signaling most commonly occurs
near the connection between the pulmonary veins and the left atrium. These veins are
what bring blood back from the lungs to the left atrium. When in AFib, the atria can’t
contract normally to move blood to the ventricles. This causes the atria to quiver
or fibrillate. The disorganized signal spreads to the ventricles, causing them to
contract irregularly and sometimes more quickly than they normally would. The contraction
of the atria and the ventricles is no longer coordinated, and ventricles may not be
able to pump blood as effectively to the body.
For ablation, a healthcare provider puts a thin, hollow tube (catheter) into a blood
vessel in the groin and threads it up to the heart. This may be done in one or both
groins. Once the catheter is inside the heart, software mapping systems are used to
allow the provider to study the electrical signals as they occur in the heart, as
well as navigate where to position the catheter. The provider then uses the catheter
to burn or freeze an organized scar in a small area of the heart where the abnormal
signal starts. In the burning process, the provider uses radiofrequency energy to
heat and scar the tissue. The freezing process uses a technique called cryoablation.
Scar tissue doesn't conduct electrical signals inside the heart. So creating a scar
with the ablation helps to prevent the heart from conducting the abnormal electrical
signals that cause AFib.
Sometimes providers use a surgical method instead. This is most common when you're
already having heart surgery for another reason.
Why might I need ablation?
Some people have unpleasant symptoms from AFib, such as shortness of breath and palpitations.
AFib also greatly increases the risk for stroke. Blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines
used for preventing stroke have their own risks. People on certain blood thinners
need to have extra blood draws and monitoring. The main reason for ablation is to
control symptoms. It isn't intended to eliminate the need for blood thinners to prevent
stroke.
Many people with AFib take medicines to help control their heart rate or heart rhythm.
The medicines don't work well for some people. In such cases, your provider may suggest
ablation to correct the problem. In general, ablation also works better to keep your
heart at a normal heart rhythm when compared with medicines.
Ablation may be more likely to work long term if you have AFib that has lasted for
no more than 7 days at a time. It may be less likely to work long term if you have
AFib that lasts longer and if you've had it for years. Ablation might be a good option
for you if:
Currently, healthcare providers treat most people with medicine before considering
ablation. But ablation can be considered a first-line alternative to heart rhythm
medicine. Ask your provider about the pros and cons of the procedure in your particular
situation.
What are the risks of ablation?
You may have certain risks based on your health conditions. Discuss all your concerns
with your healthcare provider before your ablation. Most people who have AFib ablation
have a successful outcome. But there are some risks linked to the procedure. Although
rare, there is the risk of death. Other risks include:
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Bleeding, infection, and pain from the catheter insertion
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Damage to blood vessels from the catheter
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Hole (puncture) to the heart
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Damage to the heart. This damage might require a permanent pacemaker.
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Blood clots, which might lead to a stroke
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Narrowing of the pulmonary veins. These are the veins that carry blood from the lungs
to the heart.
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Radiation exposure
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Damage to the esophagus
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Damage to the nerves of the diaphragm or gut
You are more likely to have complications if you're older or if you have certain other
health and heart conditions.
It's important to understand that the procedure won't permanently stop AFib for some
people. Sometimes AFib or other abnormal heart rhythms can develop months to years
after an ablation You might be more likely to have this problem if you're older, have
other heart problems, or have had AFib for a long time. Having the ablation again
can often improve the results of the first ablation procedure. You may also find that
medicines work more effectively after an ablation.
How do I get ready for an ablation?
Talk with your provider about what you should do to prepare for your AFib ablation.
Follow any directions you're given for not eating or drinking before your procedure.
Follow your provider’s instructions about what medicines to take before the procedure.
Don’t stop taking any medicine unless your provider tells you to do so.
Your provider might order some tests before your procedure. These might include:
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Electrocardiogram (ECG) to analyze the heart rhythm
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Echocardiogram (echo) to assess heart structure and function
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Stress testing to see how your heart responds to exercise
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Blood tests like those to check thyroid levels
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Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan or MRI to further look at your heart's anatomy
Let your provider know if you're pregnant before having the procedure. Ablation uses
radiation, which may be a risk to the unborn baby. If you're of childbearing age,
your provider may want to do a pregnancy test to make sure you aren’t pregnant.
Someone will shave your skin above the area of operation (usually in your groin).
About 1 hour before the operation, you'll be given medicine to help you relax.
What happens during ablation?
Talk with your provider about what to expect during your ablation. The procedure usually
takes 2 to 4 hours. A cardiac electrophysiologist and a special team of nurses and
technicians will do the ablation. During the procedure:
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You may have numbing medicine (local anesthetic) put on your skin where the team will
insert several IV (intravenous) lines called sheaths. This is usually in your groin.
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You'll likely get medicine (general anesthesia) so that you'll sleep through the surgery.
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Your provider will put a series of electrode catheters through the sheaths and into
your blood vessel. Electrode catheters are long, thin, flexible tubes with electrodes
at the tip. The team will then move the tubes to the correct place in your heart.
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Next, the provider will locate the abnormal tissue using special technology. This
technology involves a mapping system. It may also have a GPS like feature to let the
provider see where the catheter is inside the heart. They'll send small electrical
impulses through the catheter. Other catheters will record the heart’s signals to
find the abnormal sites.
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The provider will place the catheter at the site where the abnormal cells are. They'll
then scar the abnormal area by freezing or burning it. This might cause slight discomfort
if you're awake.
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You'll likely get blood-thinning medicine through an IV to help prevent clots from
forming on the catheters while they're inside your heart. This helps lower the risk
for stroke.
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Once the ablation is completed, the team will remove the tubes. They'll close your
vessel with firm pressure.
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The team will close and bandage the site where the provider inserted the tubes.
What happens after ablation?
Talk with your provider about what to expect after your ablation. In the hospital
after the procedure:
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You'll spend several hours in a recovery room.
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The team will watch your vital signs, such as your heart rate and breathing.
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You'll need to lie flat for several hours after the procedure. You shouldn't bend
your legs. This will help prevent bleeding.
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Most people spend the night in the hospital.
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You may feel some chest tightness after the procedure.
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Your provider will review which medicines you need to take, including blood thinners.
At home after the procedure:
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Most people can return to normal activities within a few days after leaving the hospital.
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Don't do heavy physical activity for a few days.
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Don't drive for 48 hours after the procedure.
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You may have a small bruise from the catheter insertion. If the insertion site starts
to bleed, press down on it and call your provider.
Call your provider if your leg is numb or if your puncture site swells. Also call
your provider if you have fever, vision changes, confusion, chest pain, an irregular
heartbeat, or shortness of breath.
After you leave the hospital, it's important to follow all the instructions your provider
gives you for medicines, exercise, diet, and wound care. Be sure to keep all your
follow-up appointments.
Next steps
Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
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The name of the test or procedure
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The reason you're having the test or procedure
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What results to expect and what they mean
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The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
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What the possible side effects or complications are
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When and where you're to have the test or procedure
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Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
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What would happen if you didn't have the test or procedure
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Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
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When and how you'll get the results
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Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
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How much you'll have to pay for the test or procedure