Radio Frequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat some types of rapid, irregular heart rhythms. During the procedure, your physician will guide a catheter with an electrode at its tip into the area of your heart that is creating the additional impulses. Then, a mild, painless radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) is transmitted to the site, and heart muscle cells in a very small area (about 1/5 of an inch) die and the irregular beats stop.

It can also be used to "disconnect" the electrical pathway between the upper chambers and the lower chambers of the heart. If this is the case, you may also receive a pacemaker during the procedure. Your physician will diagnose the type of arrhythmia you have and then determine the type of RFA you need.

The procedure is now widely used because it has a very high success rate, low risk of complications and you can usually resume normal activities in a few days. It is performed under mild sedation with local anesthesia and most patients report little or no discomfort.

How do I prepare for my radiofrequency ablation?

Your physician will give you specific instructions for the night before your radiofrequency ablation procedure, depending upon your physical condition and other considerations. Some typical instructions include:

·          It is important for you to have an empty stomach for the ablation. Do not eat or drink any fluids after midnight before the procedure.

·          Regarding your daily medications, you may or may not need to take them. Additionally, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, like those that control your heart rate or aspirin products, one to five days before your procedure. Your physician will discuss this with you.

·          When you check in to the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don't wear jewelry or bring valuables. Pack any personal care items you will want for an overnight or brief stay.

What happens during my radiofrequency ablation?

Your RFA will take place in the electrophysiology lab. You will be given a light sedative intravenously so you are relaxed, but not asleep during the procedure. Your physician may ask you to follow instructions, report symptoms and/or answer questions during the procedure.

You will be connected to monitors that let your physician monitor your heart rhythm and respond to arrhythmias.

The top of your leg near your groin will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, your physician will inject medication followed by several hollow flexible tubes called catheters into the large blood vessel(s) in your groin. A fluoroscopy (x-ray) machine will show the placement of the catheters so your physician can guide them into your heart.

Once your physician finds the correct area(s) of the heart, energy is applied through the catheter to destroy the area of muscle causing the irregular heartbeats.

The RFA procedure takes from two to six hours. After RFA you will be admitted to a room where your heart can be monitored. Typically, you will be discharged the next day and given follow-up instructions.

How common is this procedure?

Radiofrequency ablation is widely used. It's the preferred treatment for many types of rapid heartbeats. It has a success rate of over 90 percent and a low risk of complications. Patients who have this done can resume normal activities in a few days. It causes little or no discomfort and is done under mild sedation with local anesthesia.