Radiofrequency Ablation in Heart

Radiofrequency Ablation
You are Seeing the Arrhythmia Map and Radiofrequency Ablation Application
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Radiofrequency ablation (also known as RF ablation) is a treatment method that uses heat to eliminate abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. During this procedure, catheters are placed in the heart and examinations are performed. After problematic tissues are identified, high-frequency electrical currents are sent through the catheter. These currents heat up in specific areas of the heart, burning the areas where abnormal electrical signals occur.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation in Heart?

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. It is performed to regulate the heart’s electrical system and prevent possible symptoms and complications. It is not a classical surgery but a minimally invasive method where thin catheters are sent to the heart through the groin. In this procedure, problematic tissues are eliminated using radiofrequency (heat) energy. Generally, temperatures of 50-70 degrees are used. This treatment can reduce or completely eliminate the need for medication. It is an effective treatment that significantly improves patients’ quality of life.

This method has high success rates particularly in treating arrhythmias such as:

Hospital stay after radiofrequency ablation is usually one day. Thanks to being minimally invasive, patients can return to their daily lives quickly. After ablation, arrhythmias do not recur in the majority of patients.

Why is Radiofrequency Ablation Performed?

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is performed to treat various arrhythmias that damage the heart’s normal rhythm and negatively affect quality of life. This procedure is particularly preferred in patients who don’t respond to medication therapy or don’t want to use continuous medication. Various types of arrhythmias treated with radiofrequency ablation include:

How is Radiofrequency Ablation Performed?

The patient is given anesthesia or sedation. Thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are usually inserted through blood vessels in the groin and directed toward the heart. The diagnostic catheter has electrodes that can detect electrical activity in the heart and helps determine the exact location of the abnormal pathway. The ablation catheter creates a small scar that blocks abnormal electrical signals by heating the targeted area between 50°C and 70°C. This heat is applied to problematic areas for 30 seconds to several minutes. Depending on the complexity of the arrhythmia and the number of areas that need to be addressed, the entire procedure can take several hours.

What are the Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation?

One of the main benefits of radiofrequency (RF) ablation is that it effectively eliminates the underlying cause in treating a wide variety of arrhythmias and has a high success rate exceeding 90%.

In addition to the high success rate, radiofrequency ablation is also a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it typically involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional open heart surgery. This can mean less pain for the patient, lower risk of complications, and faster return to normal daily activities.

Another significant advantage of radiofrequency ablation is that it can usually eliminate the long-term need for medication. By addressing the root cause of the arrhythmia, the procedure can help patients reduce or even stop their dependence on antiarrhythmic medications, which can have various side effects and may not always be effective in controlling the condition.

What are the Risks of Radiofrequency Ablation?

If the ablation site is very close to critical areas of the heart’s conduction system, there is a risk of heart block. This risk is less than 1 percent in most arrhythmias. There is a risk of esophageal damage occurring at a frequency of 0.1 percent in RF ablation of atrial fibrillation.

How is the Recovery and Care Process After Radiofrequency Ablation?

After radiofrequency ablation procedure, patients can generally expect a relatively short recovery period. Most people can leave the hospital the next day, but exact timing may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the individual’s response to treatment.

During the recovery period, patients may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the site where the catheter was inserted, but these symptoms can usually be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous physical activities for several days to a week, depending on their physician’s recommendations.

FAQs

Is radiofrequency ablation treatment painful?

Since anesthesia or sedation is used in the procedure, the patient usually doesn’t feel pain. There may be mild discomfort after the procedure.

What is the success rate of radiofrequency ablation treatment?

The success rate of ablation is 90% and above in many types of arrhythmias.

Will I need to use medication after ablation?

Ablation reduces or eliminates the need for antiarrhythmic medications for many patients.

Will my quality of life improve after radiofrequency ablation?

After radiofrequency ablation, arrhythmia is controlled, patients usually experience fewer symptoms, and their general well-being improves.

Will I stay in the hospital after radiofrequency ablation?

Many patients can go home the same day or after staying one night in the hospital.

When can I return to normal life after the procedure?

Normal activities can usually be resumed within a few days. Heavy exercise may need to wait for 1-2 weeks.

Reference: Catheter ablation