If you have an arrhythmia that can’t be successfully treated with medication, your Dayton, OH vascular doctor may suggest doing a cardiac ablation. The doctors at Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute will perform this procedure to restore your heart to a healthy rhythm. What exactly is a cardiac ablation and what can you expect?
What is a Cardiac Ablation?
This procedure is done to eliminate an abnormal heart rhythm. It’s used to either scar or destroy heart tissue. This prevents the abnormal electrical signals from reaching the heart.
Traditionally, a cardiac ablation is performed using long, flexible tubes. They’re inserted through a vein or artery in the groin. They travel from there up to the heart. Since there are multiple types of arrhythmia, it will have to be determined which one you’re suffering from. This will decide whether RF (heat) or Cryo (cold) energy will be distributed through the tubes to isolate those abnormal electrical signals
However, there are various types of cardiac ablation. These include:
- Atrial flutter ablation
- Pulmonary vein isolation
- SVT ablation
- Ventricular tachycardia ablation
What Should I Expect From the Cardiac Ablation Procedure?
The procedure is typically performed under IV sedation. The level of sedation will depend on the type of ablation procedure you’re getting done. Some only require a mild level of sedation. You won’t be completely asleep, but you’ll be relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. However, some ablations require you to be under complete general anesthesia. Regardless, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the procedure.
Your recovery time will depend on your current health status. Some patients are able to go home the same day as the procedure, but some will have to stay overnight. You’ll experience an initial “shock” a few hours after the procedure. This manifests with fatigue and chest discomfort.
What is the Stereotaxis Robotic Navigation System?
As an alternative to traditional cardiac ablation practices, we’ve brought in the Stereotaxis Robotic Navigation System. At Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute, we strive to bring our patients the best technology to keep you comfortable with procedures and complete them quickly.
This system is to make cardiac ablations safer and more effective. It makes catheter positioning safer and more precise. Two magnets are used to guide the catheters. These magnetic catheters also come with computer guidance, leading the placement to be easier than with traditional methods. Since it’s robotic and magnetic catheter placement, the patient is also exposed to less radiation, as imaging doesn’t need to be used to place the catheters.
Cardiac Ablation From Your Dayton, Ohio Vascular Doctor
If your arrhythmia is unable to be treated with medicine alone, it’s time to learn more about cardiac ablation. Call us today or schedule a consultation online!