Catheter ablation During the procedure
Where is the procedure performed?
Picture of an electrophysiology lab
The catheter ablation takes place in a special room called the EP (electrophysiology) lab.
Will I be monitored?
The nurse will connect you to several monitors that will check your heart rhythm and your body’s responses to any arrhythmias during the procedure. The nurse will constantly assess you during the procedure.
How does the doctor insert the catheters?
After you become drowsy, the doctor will numb the catheter insertion site(s) by injecting a medication.
* The doctor will insert several catheters through a small incision into a large blood vessel (in your groin, neck or arm, depending on the type of ablation procedure being performed). Sometimes, it may be necessary to use both an artery and a vein.
* A transducer is inserted through one of the catheters so intracardiac ultrasound can be performed during the procedure. The ultrasound allows the doctor to view the structures of the heart on an external monitor.
* The catheters will be advanced through the blood vessels to your heart. After the catheters are in place, the doctor looks at a monitor to assess your heart’s conduction system.
* The doctor then uses a pacemaker-like device to send electrical impulses to the heart to increase the heart rate. If your arrhythmia occurs during the procedure, the nurse will ask you to describe the symptoms you feel.
* The doctor uses the catheters to locate the area or areas where the arrhythmia is originating. Once the area is located, energy is applied through the catheter to stop the abnormal impulses.
* Once the ablation is complete, the electrophysiologist uses monitoring devices to observe the electrical signals in the heart to ensure that the abnormal rhythm was corrected.
What will I feel?
* You will feel an initial burning sensation when the doctor injects medication in the catheter insertion site.
* You may feel your heart beating faster or stronger when the doctor uses the pacemaker device to increase your heart rate.
* You may feel some discomfort or a burning sensation when the energy is applied. It is important to remain quiet, keep very still and avoid taking deep breaths.
* If you are feeling pain, ask your doctor or nurse to give you more medication.
* During the procedure, you will be asked to report any symptoms, answer questions or follow instructions given by your doctor.
How long does the procedure last?
The catheter ablation procedure may last from 4 to 8 hours.
information from
http://my.clevelandclinic.org
