Radiofrequency Ablation

Overview

Some fast heart rhythms (tachycardias) are caused by extra electrical pathways or small areas of heart tissue that fire abnormally. In radiofrequency ablation, catheters are passed into the heart to find the source, and heat energy is used to create a tiny scar that stops the abnormal signals.

Why it is done

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which causes sudden episodes of a racing heart
• Some types of ventricular tachycardia
• When medicines do not control symptoms or are not suitable

Before the procedure

An electrophysiology (EP) study is usually done at the start of the procedure to map the heart's electrical activity. You may be asked to stop some heart rhythm medicines beforehand and not to eat for a few hours.

During the procedure

Catheters are inserted through veins in the groin under local anaesthetic and sedation. The procedure can take a few hours, depending on the rhythm being treated.

After the procedure

You rest for several hours so that the groin puncture sites can heal. Many patients go home the same day or the next day and return to normal activities within a few days.

Risks

Risks include bleeding or bruising at the catheter site and, rarely, damage to the heart or blood vessels, or damage to the heart's normal electrical system that may require a pacemaker.

At KIH

KIH's cardiac electrophysiology service offers radiofrequency ablation for supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia.