After a vigorous exercise, the heartbeats increase, and after rest, the heartbeat goes into normalcy. Some people have a medical condition that makes their hearts beat too fast or low, which calls for medical attention. People with heart-related problems like arrhythmias need a catheter inserted through the blood vessels into the heart. Catheter ablation Houston is a medical procedure that controls irregular heartbeats. Suppose you are a victim of such, it is advisable that you reach out to a clinic specializing in catheter ablation procedures and having been experienced and equipped with all the latest technologies. Let’s look more at catheter ablations.
Catheter ablation can treat the following conditions
Almost all types of heart arrhythmias are treatable using catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is used for abnormal heart rhythm that is not treatable by medication.
Types of arrhythmias treated with catheter ablation
- Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular tachycardia
Types of catheter ablations
The type of catheter ablation for a patient depends on the arrhythmias condition. Cold or hot energy scars the heart tissue. General anesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure to prevent the patient from feeling extremely hot or cold. Radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency to deliver heat energy to heart tissue. Cry ablation is where cold energy freezes and scars heart tissues.
How long does a catheter ablation take?
It takes doctors about two to four hours to perform an ablation. The patient is then taken to the recovery room for several hours as the nurse’s monitor. To prevent blood clots, one may take blood-thinning medications. Since the catheter ablation is a procedure that involves minimal invasion, the hospital stay isn’t prolonged. The nurse’s advice on home care after a patient gets discharged.
Best site to insert the cardiac ablation?
One’s anatomy and condition determine the catheter’s location. The catheter is inserted in the arm, neck, or a central vein or artery in the groin.
Who is a candidate for catheter ablation?
Usually, the cardiologist recommends catheter ablation after trying other medications to treat arrhythmias without success. Lately, catheter ablation has become a standard treatment for heart arrhythmias.
Does catheter ablation hurt?
Most patients who have undergone catheter ablation experience little or no discomfort though the puncture site may have a bruise and feel sore. As the tissue heals and recovers for the first few weeks, one may feel irregular heart rhythm, which is normal. However, should one experience the below symptoms, one should see a doctor; chest pain, racing heart rate, nausea and vomiting, pain or swelling at the puncture site, dizziness, bleeding at the puncture site, numbness of the leg, the groin was the puncture site.
Possible risks of catheter ablation
There exist possible risks though very rare. It may not be too safe for the unborn baby for pregnant mothers because of the radiation released during radiofrequency. Other potential risks are stroke, bleeding, damage to heart tissues, and blood clots.
The good thing about catheter ablation is that one can go on with everyday life. However, one should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects, especially for the first few weeks after the procedure. To get a personalized form of treatment, pay a visit to PERCY F Morales, MD, for all your cardiac problems.
